News Coverage
The Best And Worst Organic Foods
Published March 21, 2007
You may have noticed more organic foods in the supermarket. Organic food sales have grown 20% or more each year for the past decade in the U.S. Almost 2/3 of Americans bought some type of organic food or beverage last year, up from 50% in 2004. But what exactly are organic foods?
WHAT DOES THE TERM ORGANIC MEAN?
When you see “organic” on a food label the food must be produced using
growing methods that minimize soil erosion and maintain or enhance the
fertility of the soil. Meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products must come from animals given organic feed and no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food may not be produced with conventional pesticides, petroleum-based or sewage-based fertilizers, genetically modified ingredients or irradiation.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EATING ORGANIC?
People eat organic foods for better health, environmental concerns and
because they taste better. Eating organic foods will reduce your exposure to pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. These chemicals have been linked with an increased cancer risk, Parkinson’s disease, infertility problems, hormone imbalances and growth and mental impairment in children. Some foods have much higher pesticide residues than others and should be eliminated or restricted.
WHICH FOODS HAVE THE GREATEST CONTAMINATION?
The Environmental Working Group reviews pesticide studies and rates food from the greatest to least contaminated. Every few years they update the list. The 12 most contaminated foods are referred to as the “dirty dozen” and eating these foods will expose a person to over 15 pesticides per day on average. Eating the 12 least contaminated foods will expose a person to less than 2 pesticides per day.
HIGHEST CONAMINATED FOODS:
Apple Peaches
Bell peppers Pears
Celery Potato
Cherries Raspberries
Imported grapes Spinach
Nectarines Strawberries
WHICH FOODS ARE THE SAFEST?
Consumers can lower their pesticide intake by 90% by avoiding the top 12 most contaminated foods and by eating the least contaminated instead.
LEAST CONTAMINATED FOODS:
Asparagus Kiwi
Avocado Mango
Banana Onion
Broccoli Papaya
Cauliflower Pineapple
Sweet corn Sweet peas
