Many myths abound about what organic actually is, and the "Get Clean with Organic" article was full of some of the most common.
Probably the No. 1 myth about organic foods is that they are safer than non-organic foods because they are pesticide free. In fact, organic foods are NOT pesticide free.
There is an extensive list of pesticides approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute, which is the national nonprofit organization that determines the approved products for organic production and processing. There are many approved organic fertilizers and pesticides that are just as deadly to humans as some on the conventional list.
The second most common myth is that organic foods are more nutritious. The United States Department of Agriculture reports there is no evidence that organic foods are more nutritious than conventional food products. Further, the USDA reports that consuming organic food does not significantly reduce ones exposure to pesticides over a lifetime.
The term "organic" is a government regulated term meaning organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from antibiotic- and growth hormone-free animals.
Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. These unconventional production practices are used in an attempt to protect soil and water resources.
There are three organic designations as defined by the USDA. All organic producers must follow the strict guidelines. You may use terms such as "all natural" or "natural" which give the impression that the product is minimally processed. However, unlike the term "organic," these do not have legal definitions or standards.
These technical definitions were confused and used interchangeably in the article. All eggs laid by a chicken, even a free range one, will come with some manure. Free range production is about a more humane and sustainable way of raising livestock.
Ellen Huckabay
ACES Outreach Coordinator
Extension/Horticulture
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