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#25 – “KRILL BILL & What does Organic Mean” from
Bill Ziese
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What
You Need to Know About Organic
It’s
been more than three years since the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
implemented its long-awaited national standards for organic foods. The
rules replaced the patchwork of state and private certification programs
that had dotted the landscape and had made buying organic a chancy
affair—that is, you never really knew what you were getting. But though
the term “certified organic” now has real and consistent meaning, it
still causes confusion.
What
does “organic” mean?
Foods
that carry the green “USDA Organic” seal have been grown and processed
according to strict criteria, as verified by private or state
organizations. The use of most conventional pesticides, petroleum-based
fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, irradiation, and sewage
sludge is prohibited. Animals are raised on 100% organic feed and are not
given antibiotics or growth hormones. If they get sick and need
antibiotics, they are removed from the other animals and not sold as
organic. (No meat or dairy products of any kind are legally allowed to
contain detectable antibiotic residues, however). The animals must also
have access to the outdoors, though in factory farms (a growing trend in
the organic industry) they may never actually go outside or spend much
time in pasture. A new proposal by the National Organic Standards Board
aims to close this loophole for dairy cows, by specifying how much time
they must spend in pasture eating grass, as opposed to eating grains in
feedlots.
What
about foods that contain other ingredients?
If
labeled “100% organic,” all the ingredients must be organic.
“Organic” means at least 95% of the ingredients (by weight, excluding
water and salt) are organic. “Made with organic ingredients” means at
least 70%. Products with less than 70% organic ingredients may not use the
term on the front of the package, but can list the organic ingredients
individually.
Does
organic mean pesticide-free?
No.
Botanical and a few synthetic pesticides are allowed to be used in organic
production, and small amounts of residues may end up in the final product.
Some contamination is also unavoidable because conventional pesticides and
other agricultural chemicals are ubiquitous in the environment and can
drift from neighboring farms onto organic fields. But studies show that
compared to conventional foods, organic foods contain pesticide residues
less often and in lower amounts. Though pesticides may present a danger to
farm workers, there’s no evidence that low-level residues in either
conventional or organic foods are harmful to consumers.
Are
organic foods higher in nutrients?
Although
many people think so, the evidence is not clear. Some studies have found
higher levels of nutrients in organic produce, but others have found
little or no difference. Nutrient levels in foods are determined by many
factors, including the plant variety, soil quality, climate, when the
plant is harvested, and how it’s processed and stored. Interestingly,
several studies have shown that organically grown fruits and vegetables
have more phytochemicals than conventionally grown produce. Plants make
these compounds as natural defenses against pests and ultraviolet
radiation. If the farmer provides pesticides, the theory goes, the plant
makes less; if they’re not applied, the plant makes more itself. But
whether this makes any difference—good or bad—to the person eating the
plant food is unknown.
Are
organic snack foods any healthier?
Not
necessarily. While organic chips, crackers, cookies, ice cream, and candy
should be free of unhealthful trans fats from hydrogenated oils, many are
just as sugary, salty, and caloric as their nonorganic counterparts. And
many have just as much—or more—unhealthy saturated fat. Organic potato
chips are still potato chips, for example.
Are
organic foods less likely to harbor bacteria?
No.
Like any foods, they can be contaminated with Salmonella, E. coli, and
other bacteria during growing, handling, and processing. By some accounts,
they may even be riskier. You must handle organic foods the same way you
do conventional foods, which means washing organic produce, cooking
organic poultry and meat to the proper temperature, and not letting the
juices from raw organic meats come into contact with other foods.
Is
organic better for the environment?
Yes.
And that’s the best reason to buy organic. Unlike conventional farming,
organic farming does not erode and deplete the soil, and produces less
pollution of land, water, and air. Organic farmers use animal manure, crop
rotations, beneficial insects, and other techniques to build a sustainable
agricultural system that preserves soil quality and plant biodiversity,
conserves water, and uses less fossil fuel (a nonrenewable source of
energy). Organic farming is also less likely to endanger farm workers and
wildlife.
What
about my local farmer who sells “organic” food that’s not certified?
Many
small organic farmers can’t afford the USDA certification program or opt
out because of the paperwork involved, or for other reasons. These farmers
may adhere to even stricter criteria than the national standards. But if
the food is not certified organic, you can’t be sure if it meets USDA
standards. If you buy unlabeled organic foods from local farmers, ask
about their farming methods. Keep in mind that local produce, organic or
not, tends to be fresher and more flavorful than fruits and vegetables
that have been shipped long distances. Plus, buying locally supports small
farmers.
Is
“natural” synonymous with “organic”?
The
USDA defines “natural” only for meat and poultry, not for any other
foods. And it refers only to what happens to the meat after slaughter, not
to how the animal was raised. Though many beef producers use the term, it
does not guarantee that antibiotics or hormones were not used, or that
other organic standards were followed.
Do
the organic standards cover seafood?
No.
USDA certified organic seafood is still likely years away. In the
meantime, be wary of “organic” farm-raised salmon and other seafood
with an organic label. There’s no guarantee it is raised on organic feed
or meets other organic standards, or that it is free of PCBs and other
contaminants. Other countries certify farmed seafood, but their standards
are not uniform, so it’s difficult to know what you’re getting.
Do
organic foods cost more?
Yes—anywhere
from 10% to 100% more, so it’s wise to comparison shop for the best
prices. Organic foods are more labor-intensive to produce (hand-weeding
and hand-picking are common, for instance), and supplies are more limited.
While the industry is growing at a rate of 20% a year, organic foods still
represent only 2% of the food market. As supplies increase in the future,
the cost of organic foods may come down. Another way to look at it,
though, is that conventional foods are artificially low in cost largely
due to government subsidies and other factors.
Last
words: A recent bill in Congress may weaken the USDA organic label. Food
giants such as General Mills, Kraft, and Dean Foods, which are
increasingly involved in organic production, have lobbied to make it
easier to use certain synthetic materials in processing—if, for
instance, organic ones are not available. The bill also creates a loophole
that may allow young dairy cows to be fed non-organic feed. These changes
would enable companies to label more foods organic and meet increasing
demand for these products. Many organic advocates are opposed, arguing
that the use of synthetic ingredients runs counter to the philosophy of
organic production, which promotes natural ingredients and minimal
processing.
UC
Berkeley Wellness Letter, February 2006
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GILDA’S CORNER – Food for Thought
Protecting
your pet from free radicals may reduce your dog's risk of age-related
memory decline.
Recent
studies have revealed that regularly feeding dogs food fortified with
antioxidants can help delay their age-related cognitive deterioration.
Combined with regular mental stimulation, such as daily exercise,
interactions with people and other dogs, and engaging toys, a
nutrient-rich food that includes antioxidants may help keep your dog
active and alert longer.
-
from Dog Age
We
still offer a FREE St Francis Pet Medal with a purchase of 3 or more
bottles of St Francis Green Lipped Mussel formulas. You must click on the
free medal button to receive it. Go to < www.saintfrancisdogs.com
>.
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CAULDITO
DE AJOS – {lITTLE sOUP OF gARLIC}
Ingredients
for 4 Servings:
- ¼ cup peeled
and chopped fresh Garlic
- ¼ cup of
Olive Oil
- 2 Limes –
grated rind and juice of one, slice the other
- 6 cups Chicken
Broth
- 2 Eggs
- chopped
Cilantro for garnish
- Salt and
Pepper to taste
-
- Sauté garlic
in oil until golden.
- Add garlic
with lime juice to chicken broth.
- Add salt and
pepper and bring to a boil.
- Lower heat and
simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the garlic flavor permeates the
soup.
- Mix eggs and
lime rind in a bowl and add mixture to soup a little at a time,
stirring constantly.
- Increase heat
slightly, but do not allow to boil.
- Allow to cook
for 5 minutes.
- Serve in mugs
or bowls and garnish with slices of lime and chopped cilantro.
-
From “The Complete Garlic Lovers’ Cookbook” -
Gilroy
Gildameister
Organic Garlic is available during September/October. Place your
orders now-we always sell out!
We
have updated prices and now the shopping cart can be used to order our
garlic – Go to
<
www.flushitsolutions.com/garlic_pricing.htm
>
Free Recipes at < www.flushitsolutions.com/recipes.htm
>
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Well
that’s all folks. Feedback is appreciated.
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