Eating Convention Foods Versus Eating Organically Grown Foods

What do experts say about the battle between eating conventionally grown foods and organically grown foods?

Conventionally grown foods are produced under stringent federal regulations making it very unlikely that harmful bacteria such as E. coli could be contained in conventionally grown foods.

Organically grown foods on the other hand are usually grown in untreated manure that can contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli. E. coli can pose a safety threat.

When conventional foods are treated with pesticides the levels used can produce damage to the environment. Most pesticides when sprayed miss the target (vegetables) and disperse into the environment.

Organically grown vegetables and fruits that have the USDA organic seal shows that they were grown with organic production, and is not a safety endorsement.

There is generally no difference in nutritional value between conventionally grown fruits and vegetables and organically grown produce because plants have genetic codes that determine much of the nutrient profile.

Organically grown produce are those that are farmed using soil that is free of toxic or persistent pesticides and fertilizers. Organic foods are processed without using artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation in order to maintain the integrity of the food.

Certified Organic produce means that the farm fields and processing facilities, detailed record keeping, and that there is periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that the growers and also the handlers meet the standards set by the USDA. Certified organic products contain at least 95% organic ingredients.

Any agricultural product that meets the state certification requirements can be considered as organic including pasta, prepared sauces, frozen juices, frozen meals, milk, ice cream, and also frozen novelties, cereals, meat, poultry, breads, soups, chocolate, cookies, beer, wine, and also vodka.

Conventionally grown produce can contribute to water contamination. When produce is organically grown, there are no polluting chemicals or nitrogen leaching, which works to prevent contamination, and can protect water resources.

Organically grown meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products are produced using no conventional pesticides. A government - approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to be sure that the farmer followed all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that process organically grown foods must also meet USDA standards in order for the food to claim to be USDA organically grown.

If someone uses a USDA organically grown seal when the food was not organically grown they can be fined up to $10,000 for each violation.

Natural and organic are two entirely different terms.