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?