Opting for organic foods

Firstly an organic food is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, food addictives or antibiotics. Overall, what differentiates an organic food versus its conventional counterpart is how it is grown, processed and handled. Organic farmers rely on less invasive methods such as manure or compost fertilizer, crop rotation methods and also by giving animals more roaming space.

The organic market has been in the rise and more people are taking that route. Why? We fear the increasingly available genetically modified foods and are very aware of the antibiotics being fed to animals, which is completely unnatural. Pesticides can have a direct impact on our nervous system, skin and eyes, even on hormonal balance. The knowledge concerning growth hormones being put into our livestock (in abundance), and the potential connection to different forms of cancer and growth abnormalities of fetus and teenagers, has led to an increasing concern. The implanting of different genes from one organism to another, i.e. to enhance the colour, appearance or even nutritive value of a food is definitely a technological advancement in food science. But does it make us feel safe, is it natural to modify foods, go against their true nature? It is hence why many chose organic.

Organic foods are available at supermarkets, retail stores, specialized stores, farms and even made through the Internet. How do you know if your product is really prepared organically? Is it because on the package it claims to be 'all-natural.' Any product that is labelled as all-natural or natural it only means this food may contain less preservatives, colour or synthetic ingredients but it is not a "controlled" claim. The claim "made with organic ingredients" indicates that only 70 per cent of the ingredients may be organic. 'Free range or free roaming' only indicates that the animal may have better roaming conditions but it doesn't reveal much more about the product.

The Canadian Organic Certification logo is what you should look for when selecting organic products. This certification reflects that strict criteria has been met and therefore truly defined as being organic. By next December, all organic products must possess this logo. Through regular inspection, by ensuring the land that food is being grown on has been pesticide free for over 36 months, there is more of an assurance of authenticity. Organic can in this case imply safer and healthier.

TIP: Through the non-profit organisation known as Equiterre, you can develop a partnership with a farm near you in order to receive organically prepared fruits, vegetables and sometimes meats. Benefit: You can visit the farm and know exactly where your food is coming from, for a change.

— Christina Ferreira animates a series of weekly community kitchens at various West Island locations. For more information about the Bread Basket Project, call West Island Citizen Advocacy at 514-694-5850.