There are any number of claims made in relation to organic food. It is often claimed that organically produced food is intrinsically healthier and more nutritious than its conventionally produced, ‘non-organic’ counterpart. Supermarkets and grocers tend to charge a premium price for organically produced foodstuffs, but is there any real difference between organic foods and the rest of the produce on supermarket shelves? Are organic foods really worth the extra costs involved?

Organic Food: The Facts

First of all, the term ‘organic food’ is somewhat of a misnomer, as almost all foodstuffs are technically ‘organic’. Organic food refers to food that is produced without the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. This definition is problematic, however; various producers of organic food apply differing standards as to what food production methods can be classified as ‘organic’. For example, artificial pesticides are used by some producers of certified organic foods, but only as a last resort. So consumers could be paying more for food labelled as ‘organic’ when in fact it may not fit in with their notion of the term.

As to organic food’s supposed health and nutritional properties, there has never been any evidence to suggest that organically produced food is in any way superior to its conventionally produced rivals. Two studies commissioned by the United Kingdom’s Food Safety Authority in 2009 found that there were “no important differences in the nutrition content, or any additional health benefits, of organic food when compared with conventionally produced food.” So if you’re shelling out the extra money for organic tomatoes on the basis that they’re better for you, think again.

In support of organic foods

There are arguments to be made in support of organic foods. Overuse of pesticides and fertilisers in food produced under standard methods can contaminate groundwater; organic foods reduce the use of these chemicals. And organically produced fruit and vegetables don’t undergo the irradiation that conventionally produced fruits and vegetables go through in order to ensure their shelf life. What this means is that the organic strawberries that you’re buying were probably grown Ireland, rather than flown here from South Africa. This benefits the local economy by supporting Irish agricultural jobs, while also benefitting the environment by reducing the ‘food miles’ of your shopping basket.

Rather than paying the price for organic foods, why not make an effort to buy locally grown, in-season fresh produce instead? Buying local lets you feel good about what you buy through supporting local jobs and saving the environment - without organic foods’ hefty price tag.

Tags: healthy eating, money saving tips

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This entry was posted on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 4:15 pm and is filed under Family Spending, Grocery shopping, News, Nutrition. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.