The Fit Asylum

Today, I want to chat a little bit about the term "organic food".  Organic food generally means that the food or specific ingredient is raised or grown in the absence of added hormones, chemicals, pesticides, irradiation, chemical food additives and solvents, and doesn't contain anything synthetic or genetically modified.  For something to be certified organic, it must adhere to the standards of the specific country in which the food is grown or raised.  In the US, the USDA will certify a food as organic (with the sticker and everything!) if at least 95% of the ingredients are considered "organic" by their standards, which generally cover all the parameters I put above.

Organic food is, of course, more expensive since it must be tested in order to be certified, and possibly because it is not mass produced cheaply like some non-organic food.  Usually a company that is willing to spend extra to get their food tested is showing it's consumers a commitment to being honest about the source and nature of the ingredients.  In 1990, the Organic Food Production Act was passed which called for the USDA to set these standards.  The big question is, does it make a difference in our health?