Pesticides in USDA Certified Organic Products
So, we know of at least one case where there something, possibly a pesticide, that is not supposed to even be in organic food was there. My guess is it happens far too often. Accepting alternative pesticides as organic could invite more corruption. How do they determine a pesticide to be organic?
Are organic alternative pesticides better?
Organic farmers aren't just rotating crops and throwing a bunch of praying mantis' in their fields. They can apply pesticides and still be USDA certified. These approved pesticides are made from "naturally" occurring substances. A revealing article on "grist" says University of Minnesota professor of horticultural science Jeff Gilman stated that big organic farms must apply these organic pesticides more than conventional ones to be effective. He goes on to state this can be worse for the environment than conventional pesticides.
About conventional pesticides in organic foods
If we are to believe the USDA's Pesticide Data Program (PDP) 2008 findings, pesticide residues in conventionally grown foods are well below EPA standards anyway, and they are safer than many of the older pesticides. They also point out that levels dropped significantly from 2002 to 2008. Further emphasizing their point, they explain how the majority of PDP pesticide findings are found to be below 1 part per million and this is "the equivalent of one ounce of salt in a mountain of 62,500 pounds of sugar."
The USDA website in reference to organic produce states there are "significantly fewer pesticide residues than conventional produce". This is significantly less than the minuscule amount of 1 ounce of salt in a mountain of sugar. Hmm...so the government is simultaneously convincing us of how insignificant the level of pesticides in conventional foods are and setting arbitrary organic standards so we can be charged much more for food that may or may not be safer for humans or the environment.
For more on organic produce seeAll About Organic Produce Food Safety.
References:
USDA Organic Definition: http://www.usda.gov/oig/webdocs/01001-02-HY.pdf
The grist on Pesticides: http://www.grist.org/article/Checkout-Line-Organic-chemistry/
Pesticide Data Program Findings: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop
USDA on Pesticide Residues: http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/ofp/ofp.shtml
Published by Don A Shepard
Don writes for numerous online sources while conducting research for a Master's in Natural Resources/Environmental Management. He enjoys working on his urban homestead with his family, outdoor activities, mo... View profile
Why is Organic Baby Food Better for My Infant?Organic baby food has more nutrients and less harmful ingredients than processed food
Organic Foods for PetsWith a desire to feed pets healthy, natural, organic and chemical-free diets, many consumers are turning to organic pet food as an option.
5 Reasons to Purchase Organic FoodsOrganic food is everywhere these days and you may be wondering what the big deal is. It is true that organic food has many benefits to your body and your overall health, but the...- A Parents Guide to Organic Baby FoodLearn about why you should consider organic baby food for your children, what to look for when shopping for prepackaged brands and how you could even make your own top quality organic baby food for cheap.
How to Go Green: Organic CoffeeTake a look at this quick and dirty guide to buying organic coffee and you'll be green like Kermit in no time. First, figure out which type of green coffee consumer are you.
- Organic Foods
- What Are "Certified Organic Herbs" ?
- Elayne's Garden: Certified Organic Bath and Body Products
- Are Organic Foods Better for You?
- The Informed Organic Consumer
- Natural Garden Pesticides
- The Top 5 Brands of Organic Halloween Candy
- "Organic farmers aren't just rotating crops and throwing a bunch of praying mantis' in their fields"
11 Comments
Post a Commentvery interesting indeed. I've added you as a favorite and subscribed to you as well . thanks for the great reporting!
Interesting article. Well written.
Good reporting.
It's a wonder we don't all drop dead when we enter the supermarket.
Makes you wonder about a lot of things... Great article.
As we know, the 'government' and big business are only theoretically different things... the overlaps are too substantive to expect the one to not impact the workings of the other. No surprises here... but growing disillusionment with our need to be able to trust public entities to be looking out for the 'public.'
Thanks for this important information on pesticides in our foods. At first glance when I read that something meets or exceeds different governmental department standards, I feel reassured, but when I remember that such standards often don't meet my own definition of safe or clean, I must re-think what I've learned.
Definitely worth reading and has made me wonder about organic food.
Pat or anyone else interested, Catherine Dagger wrote an excellent article:"Fruits and Vegetables That Retain the Least Pesticide" http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/611413/catherine_dagger.html
I've also heard not to bother with buying organic, if the fruit or vegetable has a thick skin, especially like oranges or bananas, because pesticides don't penetrate. buying organic is best if you eat the skin, or only peel off a very thin skin. You might want to comment on this info, as to whether it is legitimate or not.