Do You Eat Organic or "Almost" Organic?
Many people have turned to buying organic foods to avoid the harmful man-made chemicals that are often in food. Now we have to wonder if organic standards are actually being met in the foods that we buy.
The problem is that the organic foods market is huge and bringing in so much money that everybody wants a share. More companies are pushing the envelope and bringing down the organic standards. So how do we protect ourselves from "organic" food that isn't really organic at all?
The best way to avoid these foods is by educating yourself. One of the absolute best things you can look for is the USDA Organic label. For foods to have this on them, they have to meet extremely high standards. If it has the USDA seal, and says "100% Organic," then it has to be just that. If it just says "Organic" then the product must be at least 95% organic. If you can find the USDA seal, then the product has been scrutinized and approved by the most demanding organic organization in America.
Another thing to look for is whether the organic label even makes sense. Organic foods should be healthy, so you really need to ask yourself if you can take a bag of chips that claims to be organic seriously. Also, keep in mind that food meeting organic standards costs more than most. So if produce at bargain-price stores claims to be organic, step back and ask yourself what makes it organic.
Many people are also starting to shop at local farmers markets instead of buying their produce in big stores. This is because many small farmers really do farm organically, but don't have the money to have their food certified that it meets organic standards.
Use your common sense, look into local producers, and watch for credible "organic standards" certifications. These things will help you to be successful in your quest for the healthiest organic foods.
The problem is that the organic foods market is huge and bringing in so much money that everybody wants a share. More companies are pushing the envelope and bringing down the organic standards. So how do we protect ourselves from "organic" food that isn't really organic at all?
The best way to avoid these foods is by educating yourself. One of the absolute best things you can look for is the USDA Organic label. For foods to have this on them, they have to meet extremely high standards. If it has the USDA seal, and says "100% Organic," then it has to be just that. If it just says "Organic" then the product must be at least 95% organic. If you can find the USDA seal, then the product has been scrutinized and approved by the most demanding organic organization in America.
Another thing to look for is whether the organic label even makes sense. Organic foods should be healthy, so you really need to ask yourself if you can take a bag of chips that claims to be organic seriously. Also, keep in mind that food meeting organic standards costs more than most. So if produce at bargain-price stores claims to be organic, step back and ask yourself what makes it organic.
Many people are also starting to shop at local farmers markets instead of buying their produce in big stores. This is because many small farmers really do farm organically, but don't have the money to have their food certified that it meets organic standards.
Use your common sense, look into local producers, and watch for credible "organic standards" certifications. These things will help you to be successful in your quest for the healthiest organic foods.
