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Yeah, the USDA standards are pretty much a joke. Buy local and from small farmers -- that's the better guarantee you're getting something good. Or buy from organic brands that, instead of using mass production, contract out to local farmers.
Also, it's old, but a great story on the scam that is Horizon organic milk:
http://dir.salon.com/story/news/feat...ilk/index.html





The "organic" label ranks right up there with:
"all natural"
"free range"
"no hormones, pesticides, or antibiotics"
"dolphin safe"
"made in the USA"
...as some of the biggest quackery of our times. Its simply a guise to pull one over on the "conscious" consumer, most of whom will pay premium prices for something that has met the minimum requirements set by the USDA, FDA or whatever regulatory agency is in charge of such matters. The peddlers of these products know most of their target demographic aren't going to investigate the real story behind the labels.
Former SCJ now in rehab.





Ehhh.... I buy my meats and vegetables from a butcher that has daily shipments. No brands, no labels.. nothing. Now I'm glad I do.
But I'm curious if the same standards apply here.
D:
Look like a woman
Think like a man
Act like a lady
Work like a dog
- My Great Grandmother Bessie's Recipe for Success





The important part of the article is "The Bottom Line".
The Bottom Line
The went into effect on October 21, 2002. The latest USDA definition states:
Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; petroleum-based fertilizers or sewage sludge-based fertilizers; bio-engineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too [20].A comprehensive review published the same year concluded:
Nevertheless, if you want to pay extra for your food, the U.S. Government will help you do so. Violators of the rules can be fined up to $10,000 per violation. But organic "certification," no matter what the rules, will not protect consumers. Foods certified as "organic" will neither be safer nor more nutritious than "regular" foods. Nor is there any logical reason to conclude that they have any special disease-curing properties. They will just cost more and may lessen public confidence in the safety of "ordinary" foods. Instead of legitimizing health nonsense, our government should do more to attack its spread.
- Studies comparing foods derived from organic and conventional growing systems were assessed for three key areas: nutritional value, sensory quality, and food safety. It is evident from this assessment that there are few well-controlled studies that are capable of making a valid comparison. With the possible exception of nitrate content, there is no strong evidence that organic and conventional foods differ in concentrations of various nutrients.
- While there are reports indicating that organic and conventional fruits and vegetables may differ on a variety of sensory qualities, the findings are inconsistent.
- While it is likely that organically grown foods are lower in pesticide residues, there has been very little documentation of residue levels [21].
The last paragraph is deemphasizing the good qualitiies of eating organic foods. No one ever said organic meant any of these things lol.
The first paragraph tells you what organic foods do stand for. In all, you can shop as inexpensively or more cheaply in California while buying organic. It is LIKELY, at least, that organic foods are lower in pesticides residues, so why not?








I do all of my grocery shopping at Whole Foods now, and refuse to shop anywhere alse. I'm very "pro-organic". Tempted to go Veg as well, anyone here ever read the book Skinny Bitch by Rory F. & Kim B.? If not I highly recommend it. It's funny, but also brings out alot of scary truths about the food industry.
"We all must suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons. In order to achieve what others don't, you have to do what others won't."
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I try to stick with the local farmer's market, and otherwise, I shop @ Sprouts, Trader Joe's or whole foods. I personally like Oregon Tilth and support organic products certified by them, as they stick very carefully to a higher standard.
Skinny Bitch is a great resource for those going vegan who aren't sure how to get all their nutrients with a meatless diet. And yeah, the facts are pretty scary and gross. It made me switch to all organic everything, including meat, which I cut WAY back on, and cut dairy out.... except glorious cheese. I love cheese and won't ever give it up because vegan cheese is the most vile tasting thing on the planet.![]()




That article about Horizon brand really makes me mad. I'm glad I usually don't buy that brand though.





I think I'll still buy it because it tastes better than other fat free milk. Now since its truly not organic I still like the taste.
you live like an ivy vine
you can only survive by clinging onto trees
that's your flaw
put down some roots so you can stand on your own
-Kenpachi
Go local, Bridgette. It's the only way to be absolutely certain.
I highly recommend you read The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan. Very eye-opening.
Local stuff is generally available via Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.
While labeling might be, the concern is not quackery; there is considerable evidence to suggest that a number of skin and muscle conditions are aggravated by the use of hormones and antibiotics widely used in animal herds. Aggravated conditions include acne, rosacea, and seborrhic dermatitis.no hormones, pesticides, or antibiotics
Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive.
William F. Buckley, Jr.
Quackwatch? Im not even going to click the link (-:
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