Should I Buy Organic or Conventional Foods?

Although organic products are becoming more and more common in the United States, organic food still remains a controversial topic. There seem to be countless organic enthusiasts waiting around every corner and just as many (or perhaps even more) critics. Some individuals insist that organic products are the way of the future, offering safer, more delicious, and more nutritious products to consumers, while others warn that they are a danger to both your health and the environment. Each side insists they have numerous experts and evidence to prove their arguments are correct. So, who is correct? And should you consider buying organic food rather than conventional products?

Arguments in Support of Buying Organic Food

First, let us consider some of the most common reasons people prefer organic food over conventional products. In its September 2005 issue, Vegetarian Times asked its readers to explain why they choose to purchase organic foods. On individual, Andrew Welander, explains that he and his wife prefer organic products because they are safer for their infant son than conventional foods. Another reader, Jen Prokhorov, also buys organic foods because she is concerned about how harmful chemicals in conventional foods might affect her infant daughter. Additionally, Claudia Rogers explains that she loves to buy organic because she admires the ideology of organic producers. ("Question of the Month").

Other common reasons people give as to why they choose organic products over conventional ones is because they just taste better and make more satisfying meals. Many organic enthusiasts also insist that organic products are more earth friendly since they are produced using methods that emphasize the recycling of resources and the enrichment of the soil (Nelson 169). Furthermore, concerns over mad cow disease and E. coli contaminations have also helped to expand the organic market in recent years (Goldberg).

Arguments Against Buying Organic Food

Yet, critics of organic products seem to have just as many arguments suggesting that conventional foods are just as good as or even better than organic foods. Less aggressive critics argue that organic food is no more nutritious than conventional food, so the considerably higher cost of organically-grown and -processed products is a waste of the consumer's money. Other people contend that conventional products are actually safer for people, as well as the environment, than organic ones. They claim organic foods contain large amounts of copper and sulfur (two common organic fungicides which must be applied in greater amounts to be as effective as synthetic chemicals). Moreover, they insist that since organic products are grown with manure, which can be a breeding ground for E. coli bacteria, consumers are much more at risk of dangerous food poisoning if they choose to use organic food. It has also been suggested that if organic farming is not executed properly, it can cause serious damage to the environment by increasing soil erosion and endangering the local ecosystem with alien insects, bacteria, or fungi (tools often used to control crop pests) (National Center for Policy Analysis; Knapp).

So, Which Kind of Products Are Better?

Unfortunately, research concerning organic food and synthetic pesticides and chemicals is still in its infancy. Therefore, this controversy may continue for quite some time until more conclusive results are uncovered. The controversy over synthetic pesticides and chemicals probably causes the most heated debates. It is too soon to tell whether synthetic pesticides and chemicals are wholly safe or actually dangerous. Nonetheless, each side of this intense debate is able to ramble off "scientific proof" that supports their views on synthetic pesticides and chemicals.

As a result, Congress has been passing bills to try to improve our knowledge concerning the effects of synthetic pesticides and chemicals on people of various age groups, especially children and older individuals since they are more vulnerable. For example, a new program was added to the USDA in 1991, called the Pesticide Data Program (PDP) to research exactly how many pesticides and how much of each pesticide is consumed in the average diet (Benbrook). Among the new information discovered by the PDP was the fact that "conventional fruits are 3.6 times more likely to contain residues than organic fruit samples and conventional vegetables are 6.8 times more likely to have one or more detectible residues" (Benbrook). Also, "imported foods consistently contain more residues than domestic samples, regardless of market claim" (Benbrook). Most likely, as such groups as the PDP continue to research organic and conventional foods, the risks and benefits of both types of products will become clearer.

Should You Buy Organic?

From my personal experience, I now prefer organic foods over conventional foods. However, since research is still in its infancy, you, yourself, must decide which side's arguments are more convincing. Remember that, ultimately, your food choices are going to affect your health. As such, you should carefully weight the information available before deciding one way or the other.

Be aware, though, that there is a middle ground. If you cannot afford to buy all organic or do not wish to go to such an extreme, there are still things you can do to improve your diet. Practicing safe handling and thorough cooking of your food is an excellent start since this will reduce the chances of food poisoning, regardless of what products you choose. Also, remember that imported produce normally contains more chemicals than domestic produce, largely because it must be sprayed with chemicals to prolong its shelf life (Benbrook). You could even consider buy less of or organic versions of peaches, strawberries, apples, nectarines, pears, cherries, red raspberries, spinach, celery, potatoes, and bell peppers since a USDA analysis showed that these specific fruits and vegetables contain the largest amounts of pesticides. Finally, you can thoroughly wash your produce to reduce the amount of chemicals on the skins of produce: rinse for thirty seconds, then soak for fifteen seconds, and lastly, rinse again (Platkin).

References:

Benbrook, Charles M. "Pesticides in Foods Are Poisoning Consumers." Food Safety. Ed. Stuart A. Kallen. At Issue Series. Greenhaven, 2005. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomas Gale. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Library, Johnstown, PA. 27 October 2005: http://www.galenet.com

Knapp, Alex. "Organic Food Is Expensive, Bad for the Environment, and Potentially Deadly." Food Safety. Ed. Stuart A. Kallen. At Issue Series. Greenhaven, 2005. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomas Gale. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Library, Johnstown, PA. 27 October 2005: http://www.galenet.com

Goldberg, Todd. "What's Behind Your Organic Food." Better Nutrition 67.10 (Oct. 2005): 54. Academic Search Elite. EBSCO. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Library, Johnstown, PA. 29 September 2005: http://www.ebsco.com

National Center for Policy Analysis. "Beware the Myths of Organic Foods." 2001. 8 Nov. 2008: http://www.ncpa.org/pi/enviro/pd012401b.html

Nelson, Mariam E. Strong Women Eat Well: Nutritional Strategies for a Healthy Body and Mind. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2001.

Platkin, Chales Stuart. "Are Organic Foods Safer? Well, that Depends." Sun News. 13 Oct. 2005.

"Question of the Month: How Important Is It to You to Buy Organic? Why?" Vegetarian Times 334 (Sept. 2005): 10-11. MasterFILE Premier. EBSCO. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Library, Johnstown, PA. 29 Sept. 2005: http://www.ebsco.com