What does organic mean and what items should you buy organic?

Organic food: Is it worth the extra money? Nutritionist Joy Bauer tells you what to buy. Even though you wash your fruits and vegetables, some still contain pesticide residue. These include: apples, berries, grapes, spinach, and potatoes. On the other hand, that’s not true for bananas, mangos, or corn. Here are some facts to help you decide what organic, or natural, foods you should buy: What organic means:

• Animals have not been treated with: antibiotics, growth hormones, or feed made from animal byproducts.

• Animals must have been fed organic feed for at least a year.

• Animals must have access to the outdoors.

• Food hasn’t been genetically modified or irradiated.

• Fertilizer does not contain sewage sludge or synthetic ingredients.

• Produce hasn’t been contaminated with synthetic chemicals used as pesticides.

What the labels mean:

• “100% Organic”: Product must contain 100 percent organic ingredients.

• “Organic”: At least 95 percent of ingredients are organically produced.

• “Made with Organic Ingredients”: At least 70 percent of ingredients are organic. The remaining 30 percent must come from the USDA’s approved list.

• “Free-range” or “Free-roaming”: Misleading term applied to chicken, eggs and other meat. The animal did not necessarily spend a good portion of its life outdoors. The rule states only that outdoor access be made available for “an undetermined period each day.” U.S. government standards are weak in this area.

• “Natural” or “All Natural”: Does not mean organic. There is no standard definition for this term except with meat and poultry products. (USDA defines “natural” as not containing any artificial flavoring, colors, chemical preservatives, or synthetic ingredients). The claim is not verified. The producer or manufacturer alone decides whether to use it.

The “Dirty Dozen”: Must-buy organic foods (their conventionally grown counterparts tend to be laden with pesticides. They cost about 50 percent more — but are well worth the money):

Fruit:  • Apples • Cherries • Grapes, imported (Chili) • Nectarines • Peaches • Pears • Raspberries • Strawberries • Oranges.
Vegetables: • Bell peppers • Celery • Potatoes • Spinach. 

No need to go organic with these foods (These products generally do not contain pesticide residue):
Fruit: • Bananas • Kiwi • Mangos • Papaya • Pineapples • Blueberries.
Vegetables: • Asparagus • Avocado • Broccoli • Cauliflower • Corn • Onions • Peas.