Russ sent me an interesting link to a post about organics and pesticides - or rather a piece that debates the benefits of organics when compared to all the toxic chemicals found in nature. Basically the piece notes that if you eat food, even only organics you're still eating toxins on a daily basis and also of note the piece discusses why pesticides may not be as bad as you think. Overall, I thought it was an eye opening piece. Although I don't agree with the authors take that the, "EPA does a very good job of regulating toxic materials" - I think "very" good might be pushing it; but then I don't trust many large organizations. Still, overall this article really made me think and it's worth a read.
You can read the piece at the following link - World’s Largest Producer of Toxic Chemicals, MNI, Continues to Contaminate the Entire Food Supply.
In related news I also just saw a report about bacteria found in bagged greens in Oregon. According to the report, "lab tests on major brands selling both organic and nonorganic greens in Oregon and across the country showed high levels of bacteria that point to unsanitary conditions." The company tested 208 bags of greens including greens from brands such Dole, Earthbound Farm Organic and Fresh Express. Nearly 40% of the bagged greens showed high levels of coliform and more than 20 percent had a high concentration of enterococus -- both "indicator" bacteria.
Supposedly, the bacteria found in the greens is used by public health experts to gauge if there is fecal contamination in the product. While the bacteria is not considered really harmful to humans, it can indicate that there's fecal contamination from humans or animals which may in turn mean that there could be something more dangerous in the product.
Basically both these pieces are a good reasons to consider all food issues, not simply organics. I still think organic foods have benefits but it's also important to pay attention to other issues like proper food handling. I think a lot of us interested in green eating (self included) get easily caught up in one issue over others, like for example, "organics are best" or "GMOs suck" vs thinking about the overall food picture related to food safety and health.
What do you think? Are we too focused on narrow food issues and not the big picture?
You can read the piece at the following link - World’s Largest Producer of Toxic Chemicals, MNI, Continues to Contaminate the Entire Food Supply.
In related news I also just saw a report about bacteria found in bagged greens in Oregon. According to the report, "lab tests on major brands selling both organic and nonorganic greens in Oregon and across the country showed high levels of bacteria that point to unsanitary conditions." The company tested 208 bags of greens including greens from brands such Dole, Earthbound Farm Organic and Fresh Express. Nearly 40% of the bagged greens showed high levels of coliform and more than 20 percent had a high concentration of enterococus -- both "indicator" bacteria.
Supposedly, the bacteria found in the greens is used by public health experts to gauge if there is fecal contamination in the product. While the bacteria is not considered really harmful to humans, it can indicate that there's fecal contamination from humans or animals which may in turn mean that there could be something more dangerous in the product.
Basically both these pieces are a good reasons to consider all food issues, not simply organics. I still think organic foods have benefits but it's also important to pay attention to other issues like proper food handling. I think a lot of us interested in green eating (self included) get easily caught up in one issue over others, like for example, "organics are best" or "GMOs suck" vs thinking about the overall food picture related to food safety and health.
What do you think? Are we too focused on narrow food issues and not the big picture?
