The Definition of Organic Foods Should Be Redefined

Organic versus non-organic foods are always being debated to whether they are worth the extra cost. This seems to be an easy question, at first, but begs a more in-depth analysis to come to a conclusion. Organic definitions can vary by government, company and even individuals. Many people have their own ideas of what organic means. My personal definition, before this research assignment, was that organic products were grown with no pesticides, chemical additives, or preservatives and grown in a humane way. Meaning that if it said 100% organic, that is what was meant. This however, is not the case when it comes to the government’s definition of organic, according to T. A. Niewold who wrote, “Organic More Healthy; Green Shoots in a Scientific Semi-Desert”. There are many cases when just a simple term can change the whole meaning of a definition. Such is the case when describing organic eggs. According to Niewold, only 80% of the food that the chickens eat has to be “organic” while no one pays attention to the other 20% (21). This is just one example of why I believe that our government should regulate the meaning of organic more tightly because the definitions aren’t adequate to protect us from pathogens and other contaminates that may be contained in these so-called organic foods.

While organic foods have always been more expensive, some of us considered them worth the added expense, because they were perceived to be higher nutritional value compared to traditional foods. According to a Redbook magazine article that states the reason that organically grown foods are healthier, is because the have less pesticides and fertilizers. That helps the production of the phytochemicals which increases due to the need, for...

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... the organic movement, and criticizes the people who want organic foods as “zealots”.

Presley, Jimmie. “Mad cow to cost firms almost $6 billion.”

25 February 2004. Web. 17 August 2011.

http://www.organicconsumers.org/madcow/billion225-4.cfm

This article talks about the cost of the Mad Cow epidemic.

Sizer, Frances and Ellie Whitney. “Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies 11th Edition”.

California. Thomson Wadsworth. 2010. Print.

This book speaks about nutrition and the pros and cons of organic foods. As well as other healthy habits.

Broad thesis Statement: Is the cost of organic foods were the added cost?

Thesis: Our government should regulate the organic industry more tightly because the current definitions aren’t adequate to protect us from pathogens and other contaminates that may be contained in the “so-called” organic foods.