Organic Food Risks
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Organic Food Risks
Melissa Kidd (Soil Association Information Officer) gives expert video advice on: How can I be sure that my food is genuinely organic? and more...
Does organic food go off more quickly?
There's no reason why fresh organic produce should go off more quickly. There are certain waxes that are used on apples and oranges to prevent air getting to them and making them go off quickly. Non-organic waxes aren't allowed and at the moment there aren't really that many organic waxes around. As such, organic oranges and apples may go off a little bit quicker because they haven't been subjected to this waxing. Having said that, non-organic food can be stuffed full of preservatives that are bad for us, such as aspartame, hydrogenated fat. These non-organic preservatives are being linked with health problems and we don't allow any of those in organic food. However, there's no reason why fresh organic produce should go off quicker.
Are there any risks associated with organic food?
There are no risks with organic food. In fact it's more the converse really. There are more risks associated with non-organic food because it's doused in pesticides and artificial fertilizers, and there are links with cancer, male fertility and abnormal fetal development.
Can you still get salmonella or e-coli from organic food?
There's no reason why you should get salmonella or e-coli from organic food more than non-organic food. It depends on the cooking of the food. There was a case in the late 90s where some organic mushrooms were found to have some e-coli, but it was actually proved that it was a laboratory had caused the contamination; it was an error, so it actually never occurred.
Tips & Comments
Incorrect! You can get e. coli or salmonella just as easily, if not greater of a chance, from organic food. Organic and conventional food is grown in manure and non-potable water, which is one of the main sources for e. coli. In fact, fruits and vegetables that have pesticides or that are genetically enhanced have a better chance of staving off any e. coli or salmonella contamination. Even so, you should ALWAYS wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water with a scrub brush to get rid of any dirt or fecal matter from the fields. In 2006, an organic Spinach farm in California was contaminated with e. coli and cause over 100 illnesses and 3 deaths. Organic or not, ALL beef, dairy, fruits or vegetables are at risk for e. coli OR Salmonella.