#1. Organic Doesn’t Mean Happy Animals
One of the biggest fallacies about organic food is that people think that means the animals are treated more humanely. It doesn’t. It simply means the animals aren’t treated… with hormones or antibiotics. The USDA only requires that “organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals … given no antibiotics or growth hormones.”
Animals used to make organic food may experience the same, or even worse living conditions than those at corporate farms. So if your reasoning for eating organic meat is because of your stance against animal cruelty, you might want to do more research into your food chain supplier. Check your labeling to confirm whether they are free range cows, or cage free chickens. It will usually state so on the package.
#2. There’s no such thing as organic seafood, for now.
There are no official standards for what constitutes organic seafood. Sustainable fish farming that is considered organic isn’t properly vetted to meet the type of standards imposed on food produced on land. Many people think that producers are slapping “organic” labels on seafood simply to command a higher price. So buyers beware.
#3. When it comes to milk and hormones, organic vs non-organic isn’t the issue…
According to Pediatrics magazine, scientists concluded that non-organic milk, meaning cows treated with hormones, contained the exact same amount of estrogen that is found in organic milk. The only sure way to lower your estrogen levels, and chances to contract cancer and other issues, is to drink skim milk, organic or not. In fact, many pediatricians have stated that while other organic foods might be good for your kids, milk is probably not worth the hefty price tag.
#4. Kids and organic food
#5. Big Organic is Big Business and Big Corporatism
Last year the United States Department of Agriculture awarded $52 million in grants to grow organic food.
“Local and regional food systems are one of the pillars of our efforts to revitalize rural economies,” said USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Consumers are increasingly demanding more local and organic options. Investing in local and regional food systems supports the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers, especially smaller operations, while strengthening economies in communities across the country. Today’s announcements also improve access to fresh, healthy food for millions of Americans.”
Right… it’s strengthening some people’s economies alright. It’s strengthening the economy of the well-connected people and corporations that get the grants. And if you’re a taxpayer who doesn’t eat organic food, you’re paying for other people’s food choices that you don’t even engage in. That’s not fair at all.
And $27 million of it was awarded for marketing purposes. Yep, marketing. That means that in order to sell you that very expensive-not necessarily healthier- organic food, they are sending $27 million to Madison Avenue to sell you the products. That’s money that doesn’t go into the hands of the little guy, but into the Mad Men in New York City who are getting rich off of taxpayer largesse. What a rip!
#6. Organic food can still contain pesticides
Just because it’s organic, doesn’t mean it’s pesticide free. Organic farmers are allowed to use things like insecticidal soap, copper sulfate, as well as pheromones that disrupt insect mating. But they’re safer than normal methods used right?
Probably not.
The journal PLos ONE did a study on the environmental impact of conventional and organic pesticides and found that the organic pesticides were actually MORE harmful to the soil. Why? Because they are weaker products, you have to use much more of them to make up for the lessening impact. Still, organic foods do contain less pesticide residue than regular foods. They just don’t come with none.
#7. It’s organic, sure… but not 100% organic
The USDA requires a food item to only be 95% organic in order to use the label. Some products might be 100% organic, but only those that specifically state that they are. Also, many products are exempt from the definition of organic. Why? Because it’s too hard to source them organically, such as fish oil, sausage castings, celery powder, etc.
If you want 100% organic food, you’ll have to look for the specific label that says so. Otherwise, you are probably getting a mix.
#8. “Natural” doesn’t mean “organic”
There are lots of bureaucratic hoops to jump through in order to be certified as organic. The USDA requires the following: No synthetic fertilizers, synthetic growth and breeding hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs; any pesticides used must be natural in order to be officially certified.
“Natural” foods don’t have to undergo anywhere near the same scrutiny. So if you’re looking at a label and it says “natural” just remember that that doesn’t mean organic.
#9. Organic foods slightly more likely to be contaminated
Hold up for a moment before you pop that organic egg into your mouth. A study from Stanford University found that organic produce was 5% more likely to be contaminated with bacteria such as E.Coli, compared to regular foods. The study found that 67 percent of chicken contained Campylobacter, compared to 64 perecent of conventional chicken, and 65 percent of pork was contaminated with E.Coli versus 49 percent in conventional pork. That’s a pretty steep difference when you’re playing with your health.
Make sure you decontaminate your organic food carefully before you eat it.
#10. Organic food might cause you to eat more
A study found that people who ate organic food perceived it to be healthier, so they were likely to eat more of it. An Oreo cookie made with organic flour and sugar has the same amount of calories as the non-organic.
“As Americans’ waistlines have grown, so has their appetite for organic food,” said Norbert Schwarz, professor of marketing at the U-M Ross School of Business. “Labeling food as ‘organic’ entails a claim about its production, but is silent on its calorie content. Nevertheless, people struggling to cut calories may turn to organics and possibly consume more calories than they otherwise would.”