In an announcement that made parents everywhere scratch their heads in disbelief, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a statement last month questioning whether organic food was really any better for children than conventional food.
The statement, which was published in the Journal Pediatrics, comes on the heels of a Stanford University study touting similar conclusions.
Dr. Janet Silverstein, a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of Florida in Gainesville and co-author of the Academy’s statement, said that the science is lacking as to whether eating pesticide-free food makes people any healthier.
Hold on just one minute!
The American Academy of Pediatrics actually needs “rigorous” scientific data to prove that eating food without poison is better than eating food with poison simply because the poison is “within safety limits”?
Doesn’t this strike you as just a wee bit ridiculous and tantamount to saying that science hasn’t proved that the sun comes up in the morning so we are going to assume it doesn’t until further studies are done?
As my grass-fed dairy farmer is fond of saying, “You just can’t fix stupid”.
For those of you who might have been more than a little confused by this statement, I filmed a brief video to discuss organic versus conventional food as it relates to fresh produce.
I also attempt to clarify the not so obvious point that locally grown fruits and veggies are where it’s at nutritionally speaking even when compared to organics.
Interesting how the American Academy of Pediatrics statement completely omitted this salient point!
The video also discusses how to best clean off pesticide residue from locally grown produce that might have been minimally sprayed or simply not “certified organic”.
What did you think of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ statement? Â Did you laugh and shake your head as I did? Â Did you roll your eyes in dismay? Â Will you change any of your buying habits as a result of it?
References
American Academy of Pediatrics Says Organics No Better
The Hydroponic Invasion of USDA Organic
Culinary concern: does the vinegar cook or otherwise break down the produce? Also, I was directed here from your article on H2O2 and you mentioned how to wash produce with it. Do you wash with H2O2 the same way and with the same amount as the vinegar suggestion? Thank you
They can say whatever they want, I’m still buying my organic food. 🙂
Aside from all the “scientific” evidence that organic is not better than conventional, anyone who eats organics knows that the flavors of these foods are far and away superior. I peeled an organic apple this morning and the sweet aroma was a joy, let alone the amazing taste. If anyone is still unconvinced that the extra cost is worth it, just give organic fruit a try. I’d be willing to eat less in order to have the best!
I totally agree with you Deborah! Typing this as I eat my organic grapes, organic pomegranate, organic banana, organic eggs and organic green tea for breakfast. 🙂
I was under the impression that leaving veggies to soak in water allows the nutrients to leach out into the water. ???
My husband shared this news with me on his way home from work and we both laughed. Not going to change our buying habits at all. We also visited a farm where the guy speaking said there was no difference between conventional factory eggs and those from a farm where the chickens are outside all day. We didn’t take his advice either. All it takes is common sense and your taste buds to tell the difference between what’s good and what isn’t. No panels of experts needed to tell me that.