Your Guide to Organic Foods The demand for organic foods
continues to grow in the U.S. If you're like many American
consumers, you want foods that are high in nutrition and safe
for you and your family. The term organic sounds as though it
fits the bill, but is it really superior to nonorganic foods?
Although words like natural and whole can be used freely to
advertise foods, the term organic can only be used to describe
foods that meet specific standards set by the USDA. In fact,
calling food organic without meeting USDA standards can mean a
fine of up to $10,000 for each violation. What does organic
mean? Fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, and meat can
all be certified as organic if they meet FDA requirements for
growth, handling, and processing. Here is what organic really
means: Compost and manure are used instead of chemical
fertilizers. Special insects and birds are used to reduce pests
and disease instead of insecticides. Crops are hand-weeded or
rotated to reduce weeds instead of using chemic