Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Organic Foods
A Natural & Healthy Way to Eat

Today more than ever there is an increasing concern not only about what we eat but how what we eat was produced. With greater advances in technology have come the ability to gain greater yields from food products such as meats, produce and other foods through the use of synthetic or man-made fertilizers and enhancers. While there may be some question as to how and to what degree these man-made fertilizers and enhancements may affect us through the foods we eat, there is growing concern that there may be harmful long term side effects. Thus, from these concerns has come, especially in the last 50 years, and even more specifically within the last few years, a greater desire to pursue farm-raised products naturally without any chemical or synthetic fertilizers or enhancements. We have come to know products produced naturally without these man-made additives as “Organically Grown”.
What are some of the significant differences in organic products?
• Chemical and Synthetic Additives such as Pesticides (NOT PERMITTED IN ORGANIC
PRODUCTS) – Organic foods contain fewer residues of chemicals such as pesticides which are commonly used in conventional farming. Buying organic products is one way to reduce the chances that our foods contain these pesticides and additives. Organic standards do not permit the use of synthetic pesticides. In conventional farming (non-organic) there are nearly 400 chemicals such as pesticides that are routinely used in combating insects, weeds and other pests that attack crops. One of the most dangerous chemicals used in
farming, according to studies, is organophosphates, a pesticide that has been associated in connection with chronic fatigue in children, cancer and fetal abnormalities. These are just some of the health issues that have been found to be associated with conventional use of pesticides which are not permitted in organic farming.
• Food Additives (LIMITED IN ORGANIC PRODUCTS) - There are approximately 300
additives that are permitted in conventional food production. Some of these additives
would be various food colorings that have been associated with health issues such as
headaches, asthma and hyperactivity. In organic products there are approximately 30
additives that are approved, many of which are for legal reasons such as various vitamins
and minerals (iron, thiamine - B1). ALL ARTIFICIAL COLORINGS AND ARTIFICIAL
SWEETENERS ARE NOT PERMITTED.
• GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms) ARE NOT PERMITTED IN ORGANIC PRODUCTS–
Studies to this point, according to research have been unclear to the overall effects of products
affected through GMO’s. However, early research has shown some signs of possibly effecting or
connected to the bacteria in stomachs. Because of uncertainty of the overall effects of GMO affected products, researchers have suggested staying away from such foods.
• Essential Vitamins and Minerals (HIGHER IN ORGANICS) – Organic crops had significantly
higher levels of 21 nutrients analyzed compared to conventional produce. Vitamin C, Magnesium & Iron were some of the vitamins and minerals that were tested at significantly higher levels in organic crops.
• Antioxidants (Higher in Organic Products) – Studies indicate that high antioxidant intake has
been associated with reduced incidence of coronary heart disease and some cancers. Such
antioxidants include (vitamin E and beta-carotene) and substances known as “phenolics” (are
produced in a plant when attacked by insects/pests). Because organic crops are not protected by
pesticides, research has indicated that organically produced products such as fruit contain higher
levels of “phenolics” which have been associated with higher antioxidant contribution in crops.
• The Balance – The Food Standard Agency (FSA) has stated that all conventionally produced food is safe; however the FSA has also found that some consumers want less chemical and artificial additives in their food, less veterinary medicines, as well as GMO ingredients. In short, consumers want to know what is going in their foods and if it is known to be good for them. In these areas organic foods deliver more of what these customers are looking for.
Certified Organic – The USDA has established the National Organic Program to give a single national standard and to insure the integrity of all products labeled ORGANIC. Today, any product that is labeled ORGANIC must be certified by a third party inspector who checks for any violations to the National Organic Standard in the raising of the product, the processing and handling of the product until it reaches your store.
This assures that what is labeled ORGANIC has actually been authenticated.
“Organic” -Must contain (by weight or fluid volume, excluding water and salt) not less then 95% organically produced raw or processed agricultural products. Any remaining ingredients must be organically produced, unless not commercially available in organic form, or must be non-agricultural substances or non-organically produced agricultural products with approved National List.
Why Offer or Sell Organics? – You have read the interest in ORGANICS has been growing in the last several decades, but what has happened is in the last several years is that the interest level has taken a dramatic jump. Instead of being something only found in Health Food and Specialty Stores, ORGANICALLY grown foods are now available in most regular grocery stores. There are now chains of stores and distributors that only handle Natural and Organic Products. You might say ORGANIC is becoming mainstream. There is a good chance that some of your customers are either looking for it or already buying it elsewhere, so why not sell ORGANICS in your store?

Bulk Foods Inc. & All Natural Cereals
This unique line of cereals started with a vision for a good, all natural alternative to the
“Big Brand Name Cereals”. We wanted to offer you, your family and your customers a
healthy option, so as we researched what is on the market we established a few goals:
• It must be All-Natural. Much of what is on the market uses artificial flavors,
refined sweeteners, artificial colors, imitation milk and cream (with hydrogenated
fats), and even artificial fruit pieces. We also wanted it to be free of chemicals,
preservatives and additives.
• It must be reasonably priced. Many of us have large families or are responsible
to feed many people on a budget and buy Bulk to save. We wanted our new
Cereals to be reasonably priced, below the national brand.
• It must be easy to prepare. One of the greatest shortages that we all seem to
experience is that of time. We want to make a cereal that was both quick and
simple enough for children to help with meal preparation. Most of our cereals are
ready to serve in only 2 minutes.
• It must be delicious. We all want to eat right and have concern for good health,
but let’s face it, we will not often eat what is not delicious. We have tried to stick
to some very healthy guidelines in our cereals like using whole grains, real whole
milk, raw evaporated cane juice for sweetening, healthful Canola & Safflower oils
and Sea Salt. We will let you decide if we met our goals of making it delicious.

Bulk Foods Inc. Dry Soup Mixes
For many years, many of you have bought dry soup mixes from Dutch Valley Food
Distributors. We thank you for your patronage.
We would like to take this opportunity to talk about why we have expanded, improved
and lowered the pricing of our line of Dry Soup Mixes. Let’s start by talking about a few
aspects of the Soup business.
Why Buy Dry?
• Drying is one of the oldest and safest forms of preserving food known to man.
Noah, very likely sustained himself and his family for approximately a year on
the ark with dried food! (Canning, refrigeration and freezing all came in the last
150 years).
• Drying takes the moisture out of food, therefore, you do not need to add preservatives
and stabilizers to prevent spoilage. There is much concern these days about the long term
effects of these chemical additives to the health of the human race.
• Dry foods are very light in weight. (e.g. 1-15 lb case of soup can feed 180- 200 people)
Therefore you do not pay to ship water around the country.
• Dry Soup Mixes are very concentrated, making them very economical. The cost per serving
of cooked soup can be as little as 25 cents per serving.
• Little need to dispose of containers (how many tin cans would you have to open to feed 200
people?)
• We know that most of our customers would rather make everything from scratch, yet
sometimes just don’t have the time. Dry Soup Mixes are a very good, healthy alternative to
the volumes of “junk” out there for a quick meal.

Why Buy Dutch Valley Bulk Foods Inc. Dry Soup Mixes?
• As was mentioned previously, we have sold dry soups for a long time. These soups originally
were custom made for us by one of our suppliers. About 1 year ago Dutch Valley decided to
revamp the entire Soup Line and begin to make them all in our Manufacturing Department.
• We wanted to have a greater level of control over what goes into the soups. Our Research &
Development Department is committed to only making products we would feel comfortable
feeding to our families. We wanted, whenever possible, to give a “cleaner label”, healthier
and more reasonably priced soup mix for you, our customers.
• We have felt the growing desire for a NO MSG line of soups to satisfy your varying needs.
• We have tried diligently to keep our cook times to 20 minutes or less.
• We have kept the recipes very simple, so even starter cooks can feel comfortable making
our soups.
• Most of our Soup Mixes just require water and a way to cook it, making it a lightweight, food
item to carry along hunting, fishing, camping or backpacking.
• What could be a more practical or appreciated gift than a Ball Jar full of dry Soup Mix.
• Dutch Valley’s Bulk Food Inc. brand Soup Mixes are priced lower than most of the national
brands available, yet have cleaner labels and higher quality ingredients, because you are
buying direct from the manufacturer.

Don’t forget to check out our Dutch Valley Website!
www.dutchvalleyfoods.com

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