Organic Food - The levels you need to know

Today, almost every major grocer contains some sort of organic food product(s) to keep up with the demands of it’s consumers. Even the large promoter of conventionally engineered food, also known as Wal-mart, just got involved with selling some organic products. I am amused by their efforts but still would never shop there for food. When grocery shopping, you’ll encounter all types of labels claiming the food is “all natural” or “organic”. However, there are varying levels of organic food that you should be aware of. These food marketers are clever.

There are three levels of organic labeling that were created by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2002. A label claiming “100% organic” refers to foods that are produced organically in every step in the process of creation. Another label may claim, “organic” which requires at least 95% of the product’s ingredients be organic. The third category of labeling is “Made with Organic…” which means at least 70% of the product’s ingredients are organic. If you see the label, “all natural”, you are best examining the entire package since this label essentially means nothing.

Organic food is a thriving business and mainstream brands have caught-on and created their own lines. For example, Heinz created an organic ketchup, Kellogg’s also came out with an organic line, along with many others. While this is some good progress, I still question all food that I purchase. I want to know how many antibiotics were pumped into the animal product that ended up on my plate. I want to know what pesticides were sprayed on my vegetables and fruits? If I just knew the history behind the food I was buying, I would feel a lot more comfortable with my purchase.

I don’t keep all of the questions to myself. When I’m at a major grocer, I talk to the employees who work in produce, meat and fish. I make requests for more wild-fish, fresher produce, etc. After-all, why should MSG be an ingredient on my claimed “all natural” sashimi? I question a lot. I developed a small-scale relationship with the produce worker in the Stop and Shop in Stamford, CT. I am a large fan of broccoli I explained that I’d like to see more organic broccoli and if they could, include where the broccoli traveled from and if any pesticides were used in the process. I spoke with the produce worker about 1 month ago. Today, I was surprised to find that the worker fulfilled my request. There was a sign right above an enlarged broccoli section stating “Organically grown broccoli from Maine – pesticide free”. This is certainly a first step! I don’t plan to stop there.