Nutrition Expert Advises: Play it safe with organics


Registered dietitian Sarah Ellis is passionate about eating organically.

“It alarms me to watch the effects of big business and politics on the science – and what used to be the art – of raising our own food,” she said. “Agribusiness and ‘pharming’ (genetically altering crops to be carriers for pharmaceuticals) is destroying the systems that used to keep us healthy.

“One of most tangible examples is the evidence of chemical and pesticide contamination,” the dietitian said.

“The National Cancer Institute is currently conducting ongoing studies examining the effects of pesticides on health. Often we read there is no conclusive proof that something is harmful, but absence of knowledge is not proof of safety. Right up until the Environmental Protection Agency banned DDT, the government was promoting its virtues.”

While studies continue, Ellis recommends organic food as a common sense choice.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines ‘organic’ as crops that are produced with minimal use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, and without sewage sludge or genetic modification.

Organically raised animals must be given organic feed and kept free of growth hormones and antibiotics. Unlike conventionally grown animals, they can’t be fed formulas containing manure, urea, animal parts or plastic pellets for roughage.

Finding organically grown foods can be challenging, Ellis said. “First, it’s important to look for certification.

There are several levels (see box at right), and some labels
are misleading. For example, the word ‘natural’ doesn’t mean organic.”

Affordability can also be a problem, she agreed. But local farmers’ markets are a good solution. “Look for the label ‘California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).’”

Conventional supermarkets also are paying more attention to demand for organic products, Ellis said. “Trader Joe’s, Mollie Stone’s, Whole Foods, Trag’s, Lunardi’s, Safeway and Draeger’s are doing a good job. Check your local newspaper for each market’s current specials.”


How organic is it?
The following is a guide to organic labels

100% Organic: 100% of the substances, ingredients, processing aids and food additives including colors and flavorings are certified organic

Organic: At least 95 percent of the product is organic

Made with organics: 70 percent or more organic; may not display USDA seal

Less than 70 percent organic: The label can only list those ingredients that qualify; no USDA seal


All about food safety
Visit these web sites for more information about organic food and links between food and health.

www.foodnews.org

www.cancer.gov


Where to find organic food
For Ellis’ list of local organic food sources, click here.


Choices to suit your lifestyle
Mills-Peninsula’s Nutrition Services Program offers a variety of choices to help people maintain healthy eating habits. Services include classes about nutrition, weight loss programs and individual
counseling with a registered dietitian.

For more information, call 1(800) 654 9966 or click here.