Saskatchewan Star Phoenix, Paul Hanley
Published March 7, 2006
Organic foods cost a small fortune, or at least that's a commonly held view. But are they really costly? If so, are they worth it? Are they really better for you? Do they make a difference to your health or to the environment?
A recent review of information on the topic published by Consumer Reports provides some interesting answers to these questions. It states, for example, that people typically consume small amounts of more than 30 pesticides from eating otherwise healthful foods. According to the Environmental Working Group, a research and advocacy organization cited in the review, eating the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables exposes us to about 20 pesticides a day, on average.
Eating an organic diet can limit exposure. A 2005 study supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency measured pesticide levels in the urine of 23 children before and after a switch to an organic diet. Researchers found that after just five consecutive days on the new diet, specific markers for commonly used pesticides decreased to undetectable levels and remained that way until conventional diets were reintroduced. The study concluded that "an organic diet provides a dramatic and immediate protective effect" against such pesticide exposure.
According to Consumer Reports, organic food is about 50 per cent more expensive than conventional food, on average. Having said that, it says smart consumers can keep the premium on organic to a minimum by choosing carefully. Here are a few tips:
q Prices for organic food vary widely according to the season, retailer and other factors. Sometimes, organic prices are quite competitive (I have seen organic cheaper than conventional, on occasion.) Organic produce is normally less expensive in season.
q Buying local is a good idea. One study in the U.S. found that 40 per cent of organic growers at farmers' markets don't charge a premium on their products. Buying directly from an organic grower may also be less expensive.
q Grow your own, in season. There is nothing like fresh, home-grown produce for taste, cost and low environmental impact.
Consumer Reports found that it makes a lot of sense to buy some organic products and less sense to buy others. The reason is that while some foods contain a lot of pesticide residues, other foods are more of less free of pesticides, even when they are not organically grown.
If you can, buy the following foods organically grown:
q Apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, red raspberries, spinach and strawberries. Why? Tests show these products tend to have the most pesticide residues when grown conventionally.
q Meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy. Why? Organic animal food products reduce exposure to pesticides, hormones and antibiotics consumed by the animals in their feed. Since organic does not allow feeding of animal parts, it also reduces the potential threat of diseases like mad cow. Organic animal products, however, are often twice as expensive as conventional. Once way to deal with this premium is by eating less meat, eggs and milk products, but choosing organic.
q Baby food. Why? Children are especially vulnerable to toxins and may be at risk of higher exposure. Baby food is often made up of condensed fruits or vegetables, potentially concentrating pesticide residues.
Consumer Reports says there is less reason for buying organic versions of these products:
q Asparagus, avocados, bananas, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn, kiwi, mangos, onions, papaya, pineapples and green peas. Why? There are few residues found on these products, even when they are not organic.
q Breads, oils, potato chips, pasta, cereals, and other packaged foods, such as canned or dried fruit and vegetables. Why? Often, these are highly processed food anyway and may not be 100 per cent organic. Read the labels carefully.
q Seafood and cosmetics. Why? Organic standards on these products are sometimes poor and allow contaminants or suspect ingredients.
Reducing pesticide residues on food is only one reason to buy organic, however. Organic farming also reduces general exposure to toxic chemicals in the environment.
