Criticisms and Frequent Misconceptions about Organic
Agriculture: The Counter-Arguments Misconception Number 4:
Organic farming increases the risk of food poisoning: organic
food potentially contains more dangerous bacteria (such as E.
coli because organic farming uses animal manure) and mycotoxins
due to the absence of fungicide use. Summary of Counter-
Arguments: |- The risks associated with E. coli and other
dangerous micro-organisms are not higher in organic foodstuff.|
- Furthermore in many cases, organic standards related to manure
and soil management go further than governmental codes of good
agricultural practice, thereby, offering additional protection
for consumers. Details of Counter-Arguments: Organic food is as
safe to consume, if not safer, than any other kind of food. As
cited above, organic products contain significantly lower levels
of pesticide residues and other harmful substances than
conventional products. The message that organic foods are more
dangerous is another argument spread by Denn