Debate: Organic vs Conventional Foods

Controversy surrounds the health benefits and costs of organically produced food versus conventionally.

Organic: of, relating to, or involving the use of food produced with the use of feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics or pesticides.

Conventional: a type of farming which has been dominant since the latter half of the 20th century and accounts for the majority of food, fiber, and biofuel production in the industrialized world.

Pro Organic:

· The pesticides used in conventional farming are harmful to the environment: soil and water, and also to human health.

· Diet is an important source of exposure to pesticides, which is why choosing organic foods is so important.

· Organic products do not contain food additives, processing aids, preservatives, sweeteners, colorings, flavorings, or MSG.

Pro Conventional:

· Organic food is no better nutritionally than conventional, according to the Mayo Clinic.

· Pesticides are in the air and in our environment so no crop can be totally free of chemicals.

· Organic farmers can't produce enough to feed everybody.

· Conventional farms can exist anywhere and produce enough food to feed the world.

· Organic food is expensive!

Food	Conventional Cost	Organic Cost
Asparagus	$2.99	$4.99
Avocado	$1.99	$2.99
Grapefruit	$0.89	$2.49
Onions	$0.99	$1.29
Sweet Corn	$1.69	$2.89
Pineapple	$3.99	$5.99

My View:

The following produce are called the "dirty dozen" because they are known to have the most pesticide residues on their skins: apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, red raspberries, spinach, and strawberries. Wash thoroughly if buying conventional.

The five cleanest fruits and veggies are onions, avocado, sweet corn, pineapple and mango.

Always rinse produce thoroughly in warm water.

There is no reason to buy organic cereals and snack foods unless you like the product.

Don't waste your money buying organic seafood. Organic standards for seafood have not yet been set by the USDA. Anything can be labelled organic because of this.

I believe all foods- organic and conventional- have the same nutritional value.

Organic foods are a good option when it is feasible and falls into your budget. If not feasible, conventional foods are equally safe when properly cleaned and prepared.

References:

Anderson J. Organic foods may be an unsuspected source of dietary arsenic. EurekAlert, 2012.

Available at: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-02/dc-ofm021312.php.
Accessed February 16, 2012

Food Marketing Institute. Natural and Organic Foods; 2007. Available at:

http://www.fmi.org/docs/media/bg/natural_organic_foods.pdf. Accessed February 18, 2012

Jones J. Advantages and Disadvantages of Organic Foods. 2011. Available at:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/442122-advantages-disadvantages-of-organic-foods/  Accessed February 23, 2012

Krauss J, Gallenberger I, Steffan-Dewenter I. Decreased functional diversity and biological pest

control in conventional compared to organic crop fields. PLoS ONE 2011; 6:5-14. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019502

Martens, M.H. Nutritional Quality: Organic Food vs Conventional. Available at:

http://www.acresusa.com/toolbox/reprints/organicvsconventional_nov00.pdf. Accessed February 16, 2012

The Pros and Cons of Organic Food. Healthy Active Living, 2012. Available at:

http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/the-pros-and-cons-of-organic-food/. Accessed February 16, 2012

Williams P.M., Hammitt J.K. Perceived risks of conventional and organic produce: pesticides,
athogens, and natural toxins. Risk Analysis, 2001; 21:1-12. Doi: 0272-4332/01/0400-0319