1. “Organic” vs. Conventionally Grown Foods

2. “Organic” or Conventional???
Natural fertilizers (manure / compost)
Birds, insects & “mating disruption” to manage pests / disease
Crop rotation, handweeding & mulch to manage weeds
Conventional
Chemical fertilizers
Insecticides to manage pests / disease
Herbicides to manage weeds

3. Why do most people choose organic foods?
Increased nutrient intake
Decreased chemical intake
Decreased allergy symptoms
Increased health
All of the above

4. Government Regulations
FCNS 201, Chapter 1
6/4/2018
Government Regulations
Monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency
“Pesticide Residue” – pesticide that remains on food
“Pesticide Tolerance” – maximum legal level for pesticide residue
Risk assessment
Health risks
Environmental risks
Pesticide Residue – amount of pesticide that remains in or on food

6. Government Definitions
FCNS 201, Chapter 1
6/4/2018
Government Definitions
Organic products must be USDA certified
Can use the USDA Organic symbol if 95% or 100% organic.

7. What does the research say about the benefits of organic foods?
2012 Review (240 studies)
No difference in nutrient content
No difference in E.coli contamination risk
No difference in allergy outcomes
Organic foods - less pesticide residue
Conventional foods – may have many different pesticide residues

8. Pros & Cons Organic Conventional Less chemicals More costly
Better for the environment
May spoil more quickly
May look unsightly
Conventional
More chemicals
Less costly
Longer shelf-life – allows access to greater variety of foods
Looks prettier

9. Recommendations for reducing pesticide intake
Wash & SCRUB all fruits and veggies
Running water
Peel & Trim
Discard outer leaves
Trim fat from meats (chemicals collect in fat)
Eat a variety of foods
Buy foods in season

10. Environmental Working Group
Non-government agency
Reviews FDA reports
“The Dirty Dozen”
“The Clean 15”

11. “The Dirty Dozen” - 2014 7. Sweet bell peppers
Highest levels of pesticides per the EWG
7. Sweet bell peppers
8. Nectarines - imported
9. Cucumbers
10. Cherry tomatoes
11. Snap peas - imported
12. Potatoes
Apples
Strawberries
Grapes
Celery
Peaches
Spinach

12. “The Clean 15” - 2011 8. Mangoes 9. Papaya Avocado 10. Kiwi Sweet corn
Lowest levels of pesticides per the EWG
8. Mangoes
9. Papaya
10. Kiwi
11. Eggplant
12. Grapefruit
13. Cantaloupe
14. Cauliflower
15. Sweet potatoes
Avocado
Sweet corn
Pineapple
Cabbage
Sweet peas
Onions
Asparagus

13. What are the benefits of choosing organic foods?
To improve nutrient intake
To reduce intake of chemicals
To reduce incidence of allergies
To reduce chemicals in the environment
Both B and D