We Know: All About Organic Foods What is organic food? Organic food is produced by farmers with emphasis on renewable resources and conserving soil and water for future generations. You will find the following foods labeled as organic: Animal based products: Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Plant based: organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering or ionizing radiation. Is organic food better for me? USDA makes no claims that organically produced food is safer or more nutritious than conventionally produced food. By eating organic foods, however, you will consume fewer pesticides, antibiotics and growth hormones. How can I tell organically produced food from conventionally produced food? Packages are labeled according to USDA strict labeling rules to help consumers know the exact organic content of the food they buy. The USDA Organic seal also tells you that a product is at least 95 percent organic. Can the “organic” label be misleading? People who sell or label a product "organic" when they know it does not meet USDA standards can be fined up to $10,000 for each violation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too. Are “natural” foods “organic”? No. Natural and organic are not interchangeable. Other truthful claims, such as free-range, hormone-free, and natural, can still appear on food labels. However, do not confuse these terms with "organic." Only food labeled "organic" has been certified as meeting USDA organic standards. What steps can I take to get my family to eat organic? Read the labels of the foods in your home. Avoid foods with added chemicals listed in the ingredients. Purchase organic foods when you shop. They are usually found in special designated aisles. Ask your grocer as some foods may be dispersed through the store and check for organic labels. Start with staples like dairy, fruit and vegetables. Add snacks like organic cheese sticks or apples. Educate kids on organic foods as eating habits are formed during childhood. Experiment with organic recipes. Look for delicious recipes online.
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