Not All Organic Products Are Safe

Photo credit: Bigstockphoto
Photo credit: Bigstockphoto

Are organically produced foods as healthy as some brands claim them to be? Eating healthy starts with the right food. Beyond adopting a balanced diet, you have to check the quality of the food you eat every day.

For most people, organic is better than chemically produced foods because there are virtually zero chemicals used in organic products. Organic food refers to products that are grown and processed without using any modification. Crops that are organically grown are free from synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes, or GMO. It does not use petroleum-based fertilizers and sewage sludge-based fertilizers.

On the other hand, organic livestock are given organic feeds and are free-range. The animals are free from antibiotics, growth hormones, and any other harmful chemical. Because organically produced crops and livestock are harder to grow or raise, they are more expensive than average food.

Unfortunately, some organic companies are turning to misleading marketing to gain more customers and increase profits. More than $46 million dollars are spent on advertising, laying out false claims to the public about certain food brands. The fact is some food companies that produce “organic” products are owned and operated by large food manufacturers like Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and Kellogg’s. These companies were accused of using genetically modified food products before.

Consumers who buy organic products from these labels are under false belief that they are buying from small, independent producers. But the truth is, they are buying food from the very same companies that tainted the food business.

What’s more, some of these corporations are turning against small, independent growers. Just recently, Kellogg’s was sued for false labeling. The corporation was accused of using toxic chemicals to grow their products as well as using genetically modified foods. This illustrates how consumers are being fooled into buying the very same product they were trying to avoid.

GMOs and Pesticides: Hidden Dangers in the Food You Eat

While some health experts believe that GMOs or genetically modified foods are safe, others believe they may do more harm than good. Some health groups point to short-term testing to determine GMOs’ effects on human health and the environment as a cause for concern. Because the technology is new, there have been no extensive research on GMOs’ impact on human health. Some studies suggest that GMOs may contribute to slow brain growth, thickened digestive tract, and organ damage.

GMOs were also linked to an increased number of allergic reactions and gastrointestinal problems in humans. Most people believe that altering the genetic makeup of a plant or animal may increase the risk of cancer.

Growing children and fetuses are especially vulnerable to the dangers of pesticide-treated foods and GMOs. Exposure to chemicals will disrupt brain growth, weaken the immune system, and cause developmental delays. It may also lead to behavioral disorders, motor dysfunctions, and autism.

Being Selective on Organic Brands

Not all organically produced products are processed the same way. Don’t just trust the labels; do your own research. It pays to dig around to determine which organic brands really do offer wholesome foods.