With the advent of books by Michael Pollan such as Omnivore’s Dilemma and In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto, many people are more aware of the food they eat and inclined to purchase all natural or organic foods. I am a sucker for anything in the supermarket that is labelled All Natural or Organic. It must be good for you, right? Turns out I am not right. So what do the food terms Organic and All Natural mean?
Organic in the USA
In the United States, food labelled as organic is produced by farmers who use renewable resources, and conserve soil and water. Additionally, organic farmers can’t use most pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and sewage sludge, bioengineering or ionizing radiation. A government inspector from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) visits the farm and inspects all aspects of production to ensure that the farmer is indeed able to carry the organic certification.
Organic Taste and Nutrition
While some people might think that organic food costs more, this is not always the case. Also, consider that organic farmers do not receive any government subsidies as traditional, non-organic farmers do, so maybe it’s worth paying a little more. There are currently no studies indicating that organic food has more nutrients than non-organic food, but many chefs and restaurants believe that organic food tastes better.
All Natural Definitions USA and Canada
Foods that are labelled, All Natural have no legal definition in the United States, so when you are shopping and see this on the label, make sure you look at the ingredients list before buying. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claims that it discourages food manufacturers from using this label, one cruise through the grocery store seems to prove otherwise. Canada defines all natural food as those “that have not been significantly altered by processing and gives examples of processes that do or do not significantly alter food.”
So the next time you are tempted to purchase non-organic food, consider buying organic as a way of knowing what you are not putting into your body. If you live in the USA, forget about that attractive and tempting All Natural, label since it really means nothing.
Note From the Master:
Fitness guru and old guy Jack LaLanne says that all natural and organic foods don't matter in terms of longevity and physical health. While LaLanne is not a nutrition expert, at age 96 he does not look a day over 80! R.I.P, Jack LaLanne (1914-2011) Fit, but never freaky.
Read more:
Michael Pollan, Omnivore's Dilemma (Penguin, 1997)
Michael Pollan, In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto (Penguin, 2009)
Eating Natural and Organic on a Budge t by Amy Kreydin
All-natural and Organic Cosmetics: Sorting Through the Hype by Amy Sillup
Mary Rayme - Mary Rayme is a graphic designer and arts educator with a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore.
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