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Think you eat organic? You might be wrong
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The USDA has loosened regulations on which foods get the “organic” label over the past few years. For you, the consumer, this means what you buy may not actually be free of pesticides and chemicals. And what’s to blame for this inconsistency? Lobbyists and baby formula.
According to this report from MSNBC, a USDA manager was lobbied by a formula company after it was determined formula makers should not carry the organic label. The formula was found to contain synthetic additives and was banned from using the label. However, once lobbied, the ban was relaxed and now the majority of “organic” baby formula carries these same additives.
Since then the organic label has been quite easier for companies to obtain, causing the whole system to be somewhat misleading for the consumer. If you buy organic or even stroll through the organic foods aisle, it is obvious these foods are priced well above their non-organic competitors. If they aren’t organic at all, however, how are the manufacturer’s getting away with this huge markup.
Consumer confidence is often blind. Many people trust the labels they are given and wouldn’t think to question a label, particularly when it comes from the USDA. Tight restrictions help raise up smaller, truly organic companies. But, lax standards are allowing food giants to slap the label on even when their products contain 5% non-organic ingredients.
Calls are being made to make the organic labeling rules as strict as possible to protect the integrity of the label and the companies that truly provide synthetic free foods. These calls are met with backlash from the large companies who have seen a good sales increase with the marketing of “organic” foods that may not be all that organic after all.
This food fight is far from over. The best way to know how organic your products truly are is to read labels and do your own research. Visit food company websites for information on their growing and production methods and if you are truly concerned about going completely organic, stick with smaller 100% organic companies.
If you are interested in learning more about organic foods and their health benefits, be sure to read more from Stephanie Roberts, our Organic Foods Examiner.
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