Protecting Our Environment

Many people in America have started buying organic food. The organic food sales jumped from 180 million in 1980 to the year last 6.5 billion dollars, not only in health food stores, but stores well. In fact, sales of groceries consisting of fifty-six percent of organic food sales in the last year. Although organic food sales represent only two percent of food sales national, the organic market has really started soaring, especially on Wall Street. Experts expect that figure will more than double by the year 2010. The USDA has finally released an official definition of what qualifies as "organic" food in response to the sharp increase sales. It is also developing labeling standards which should be in place this summer. Until the past two months, a definition what actually qualifies as organic food did not even exist. Throughout the past decade, farmers and organizations of conventional agriculture have discussed the need for federal organic labeling. Fear that the organic labels would create distortion unfair to conventional products prevented conventional farmers to encourage labeling. In December, the Grocery Manufacturers of America also complained about the new organic standards, saying that the new label can mislead consumers into believing that organic products are safer and more nutritious. The agricultural secretary denies the accusation of bias, stating that although the organic seal will give more validity to organic products, the joint does not mean that organic foods are safer and more nutritious. Of course, users of organic food often believe that organic foods are safer because they contain fewer pesticides, more nutritious because they contain more trace minerals and nutrients, and also better for the environment because organic farming practices are more respectful of the earth, sky and water.

The new USDA standards means that you get the best foods for your money because of an official and national standards for what food can be called organic. You will now know with certainty that the foods you buy do not contain synthetic pesticides and without chemicals added. Organic farmers are also not to use genetic engineering, irradiation and without any fertilization of waters waste. In addition, cattle raised under those standards will be given 100 percent organic feed and are not treated with antibiotics. Before standardization, consumers often rely on misleading claims on the labeling of organic products. Even with the new standards, question is whether it's worth buying organic. Americans who consume organic foods often have higher costs of groceries per month. In fact, in 1998, the average cost of organic foods were fifty-seven per cent higher than conventional foods. In addition, a recent report on 20/20 stated that organic foods contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. However, more and more doctors believe that organic foods are safe and are well worth the additional cost. The doctors who support organic food often believe that the cumulative effects toxins in our food, water and air can be extremely hazardous to our health. They also believe that anything we can do to reduce toxins worthwhile.

If you only have a small budget but want to go organic, there are always things that you can do. Some foods are more known for residues of pesticides than others. Start with buying these if you can only buy limited quantities organic food. Citrus foods are usually not high risk because of their thick skin, as well as asparagus, bananas, broccoli cauliflower, cherries, corn, onions, pineapple, sweet peas, and watermelon. These are considered by the FDA and EPA to be ten own food. In addition, make sure to wash all the products you buy, whether or not it is organic. You can regularly take a supplement of antioxidants which help the body eliminate toxins that are on products. More importantly, be sure to keep the consumption of fruits and vegetables because they are essential to good health.

About the Author:

More information on
organic foods
is available at
http://vitanetonline.com/
where a large selection of organic foods is available.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Buying Organic? New Labeling Standards Should Make It Easier

Is the Death of Organic Upon Us?

[affmage source="amazon" results="10"]organic standards us[/affmage]
[affmage source="overstock" results="20"]organic standards us[/affmage]
[affmage source="cj" results="10"]organic standards us[/affmage]
[affmage source="clickbank" results="3"]organic standards us[/affmage]