Why you can't buy organic fish and other strange (and useful!) facts about organics.
Think you're an organic aficionado? Then you know that some organic foods pack more nutrients than conventional foods, that organic plants contain significantly less pesticide residue, and that organic growing methods are generally safer for the environment and farmers. But there are also some surprising facts about organics that you may have missed. Test your organic IQ with these 10 lesser-known facts about products that proudly sport the USDA's certified organic seal.
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Organic meat is grass-fed for most of the year
Organic meat is grass-fed for most of the year
"All ruminant livestock, which includes cattle, dairy cows, sheep, and goats are required to receive the majority of their diet from grass if it's labeled organic," says Laura Batcha, chief executive officer and executive director of the Organic Trade Association. "The amount of time they spend grazing depends on the length of an area's growing season, but even when there's no grass available, the majority of the animals' diet must come from forage, not grain." And that's true even if the label doesn't say "grass-fed." Grass feeding boosts levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, beta carotene and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), an amino acid that may help prevent heart disease and cancer.
Organic wines contain no added sulfites
Organic wines contain no added sulfites
Sulfites are a preservative used in wine to kill bacteria that can cause a serious allergic reaction in some people, especially people with asthma. (Some people also claim sulfites cause headaches, but this hasn't been proven in studies so far.) In order to earn a label stating "100% organic," wines cannot have sulfites added in the finished product. They may still contain a very small amount—less than 10 parts per million—due to naturally occurring sulfur in grapes, so if you know you're allergic check with your doctor before imbibing.
Genetically modified organisms (GMO) can never be used in organic products
Genetically modified organisms (GMO) can never be used in organic products
Organic farmers can't plant GMO seeds and organic animals can never receive feed containing GMOs.
Organic chickens are always cage-free
Organic chickens are always cage-free
That's true even if the label doesn't say "cage-free." What makes them organic? They eat organic grub and never receive vaccines or antibiotics.
Organic food can be grown anywhere
Organic food can be grown anywhere
"Whether it's coffee from Costa Rica, chocolate from Africa, or tea from India, all of the same organic-certification standards apply," says Miles McEvoy, deputy administrator of the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP). All organic operations receive an inspection at least once a year to confirm they're meeting the NOP's standards and regulations. Worldwide, there are over 25,000 certified operations in 133 countries and 84 certifiers who perform the inspections, McEvoy says.
Organic food can contain pesticides
Organic food can contain pesticides
Seventy-four percent of Americans want to eat foods without pesticides, according to a survey by Lindberg International, but organic doesn't necessarily mean pesticide-free. "Organic farmers have a much shorter list of substances that can be used for pest control such as insecticidal soap, pheromones for disrupting mating, copper sulfate, and others," McEvoy says. Are they safer than synthetic pesticides used in conventional farming? That's debatable. A study in the journal PLoS ONE compared the environmental impact of organic and conventional pesticides used to kill common soybean bugs and found that the organic pesticides had a harsher environmental impact because they had to be used in larger doses. Still, researchers know this to be true: Overall, organic produce contains significantly less pesticide residue than conventionally grown foods.
Organic food can be more contaminated than conventional
Organic food can be more contaminated than conventional
A Stanford University study found that organic produce was 5% more likely to be contaminated with E.coli compared to conventional produce. The study also found a slightly higher risk of bacteria in organic animals: Sixty-seven percent of organic chicken contained Campylobacter compared to 64% of conventional chicken, 35% of organic chicken tested positive for Salmonella compared to 34% of conventional chicken, and 65% of pork was contaminated with E. coliversus 49% of conventional samples. The difference is likely due to the fact that conventional animals can be treated with antibiotics and organic produce may be fertilized with manure that may carry bacteria. Keep yourself safe: Wash all produce before eating even if you're going to peel it (dirt and bacteria can be transferred from your knife to the fruit or vegetable) and cook all meat to safe internal temperatures (at least 165 degrees for chicken, 145 degrees for pork, 145 degrees for beef, and 160 degrees for ground meat).
There's no such thing as organic fish
There's no such thing as organic fish
Although the possibility of creating organic standards for farmed fish is on the National Organic Program's agenda (and has been for about a decade) no decisions have been made. To ensure the seafood you buy—either wild or farmed—is healthy and sustainable, download and use the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch app or visit seafoodwatch.org.
Organic food may make you eat more
Organic food may make you eat more
In a study, people estimated that an Oreo cookie made with organic flour and sugar contained fewer calories than a standard Oreo even though the two treats packed 160 calories for a two-cookie sized serving, according to University of Michigan researchers. Participants were more likely to say it was acceptable to forego a workout after an organic dessert than following a conventional one. Remember: a calorie is a calorie no matter how the ingredients are grown.
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Not all ingredients in organic packaged foods are organic
Not all ingredients in organic packaged foods are organic
But most are. To earn an organic label, all agricultural ingredients have to be certified organic, but up to five% of remaining components (not including salt and water) can be non-organic. If a food says "100 percent organic" then all ingredients must be certified organic. A "made with organic ingredients" label means at least 70% of the ingredients are organic.
Which fruits and vegetables should you always buy organic? Download our free organic fruits and veggies shopping guide here.