Are organically produced foods more nutritious?
Foods labeled “organic” must meet the standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program. These standards address what methods farmers use to raise animals and grow crops labeled as “organic.” Farms, processing plants and companies must be inspected and certified by a government-approved entity before food products can be labeled “organic.” Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides, fertilizers, bioengineering or ionizing radiation. However, animal manures are approved as fertilizers, so that raw foods must be thoroughly washed before consumption. USDA makes no claims that organic foods are more nutritious than conventionally-grown foods; they are produced using different methods. For example, organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Numerous studies have examined the issue of whether organic foods are higher in nutrients than conventional foods. One recent st
