Is Organic Food Worth Paying More for It?

LAlbert10 on 08/03/2018 - 08:23
Last edited 08/03/2018 - 10:02 by 1 other user

I've been reading health related articles online. some saying that the normal food contains a lot of antibiotics, hormones and other chemicals that you should not include in your diet. I visited a local organic food store and had a look, the food there are really pricey. Most of the food is about 3 times of normal price, and some are even higher.

My question is, is it really worth it? thinking about antibiotics and hormone, it quite scary, but how unsafe is the normal food and how safe is the organic ones?

Please let us know your opinion and experience. Much appreciated!

Health & Beauty Antibiotics Organic Food

Comments

  • Adz81 on 08/03/2018 - 08:36
    -1

    I'm biased, as we operate a label that is based on organic product, but yes, I think it's worth it (mind you, our product is a comparative price).

    As far as raw ingredients (IE:- fruit, veg and meats), I'd say yes… I find organic produce lasts longer, is generally tastier (placebo affect? possibly, but whatever work), and I know I'm supporting a smaller producer. Meats are a little more difficult (and expensive), but I'm fortunate to live in an area where I can get to know some meat producers directly (for instance, I know that our local pork farmer prefers not to use antibiotics where possible) and I know the abattoir where our butcher sources their meat).

    I think 3 x conventional prices is a bit steep though (unless its milk and its vs that $1/litre crap… pay the extra for the good milk, it's well worth it). Rather than a store, I'd look to farmers' markets though, although given you're in Melbourne, you have a massive range of stores to choose from as opposed to here in SA.

  • c64 on 08/03/2018 - 09:06
    +11

    i could be wrong, but i don't think there is really much evidence that eating organic is safer than eating non-organic food. if it gives you a warm fuzzy feeling inside eating organic then spend the extra money. personally i think you are better off spending the extra money on eating more vegetables & fruit

    • EightImmortals on 08/03/2018 - 09:58
      -6

      Actually there is plenty of evidence showing that organic produce has far less pesticides than non-organic thereby making it much safer to eat. I'm not sure how the farming of organic is regulated and monitored but assuming the info on the label is correct then it is a much wiser choice. Especially if you do some reading up on the dangers and pervasiveness of glysophate, antibiotics and other nasties that get into the food chain. The less of that you are exposed to, the better.

      • shakoo on 08/03/2018 - 10:58

        thanks for the info. which part of the label should I be looking at to confirm what pesticides (if any) and how much are being used?

        • Quantumcat on 08/03/2018 - 12:03

          It doesn't matter if pesticides were used, they will be on the outside, so just always wash your fruit and vegetables before eating. It's probably more important to wash organic produce anyway since it has less protection against bugs and pathogens

        • EightImmortals on 08/03/2018 - 12:09

          I'm not aware that there are any labelling provisions in that regard. I mean we can't even get GMO labelling approved due to the mega millions spent by the biotech conglomerates to block it so I imagine the same thing is going on with pesticides. Also, it would be pretty hard to track due to the amount of contamination in the environment already (neighbouring farms that spray etc). Sticking to organic will at least limit the exposure and should protect you from harmful GMO'd crops as well.

        • [Deactivated] on 08/03/2018 - 14:17
          +3

          @EightImmortals:
          You mentioned you are unsure how or if the word organic is regulated so how you can you extrapolate that consuming "organic" food will limit your exposure to anything? How do you qualify that you're even eating "organic" food?

          Furthermore you claim GMO crops are harmful. Do you have any evidence of this?

        • EightImmortals on 08/03/2018 - 18:07
          -1

          @tshow:

          "You mentioned you are unsure how or if the word organic is regulated so how you can you extrapolate that consuming "organic" food will limit your exposure to anything?"

          If you read my other reply (below) I linked to three of numerous studies that answer that question.

          "How do you qualify that you're even eating "organic" food?"

          http://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/food/organic-biod…

          "Furthermore you claim GMO crops are harmful. Do you have any evidence of this?"

          The scientific evidence for GMO dangers (or unaddressed/ignored concerns)is huge. I'm not going to do your research for you nor am I interested in trying to argue anyone around but here is a good start for anyone who still believes that GMO food is merely 'accelerated breeding' (lols): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqNDaL4eqC0
          Plenty of other info out there for those who care to look.

        • [Deactivated] on 08/03/2018 - 19:09
          +3

          @EightImmortals:
          Okay, so we establish that you the word "organic" is regulated(?) (I never said it wasn't but you mentioned you are unsure). That was an effective exercise as we now educated you on the regulations. That was the only intention there since you now realise that there is no requirement to be certified and the certification bodies are private organizations. It's in the link you provided.

          Your "scientific evidence" is a YouTube video that claims a lot of things and did not cite any sources (except a book written by a commentator). They made references but nothing for me to fact check. Worst of all is the hosts of the show are two chiropractors who have given themselves the title of Dr. and of self proclaimed importance in the world of "health and wellness". Again, nothing to substantiate that but that is the typical MO of a chiropractor.

        • EightImmortals on 08/03/2018 - 19:44
          -4

          @tshow: Which is why I didn't bother putting in a thorough effort. :)

        • [Deactivated] on 08/03/2018 - 19:45
          +1

          @EightImmortals:
          Oh you rascal. You're playing devil's advocate aren't you?

      • Diji1 on 08/03/2018 - 11:07
        +5

        thereby making it much safer to eat.

        Science does not say that. If you want to go off on an imaginary fantasy journey where food kills you unless you pay 300% more for it fine but please stop spreading unfounded rubbish that you learnt from marketing.

        • EightImmortals on 08/03/2018 - 12:05

          Whatever you say champ.

          https://consumersunion.org/news/cu-research-team-shows-organ…

          Do organically-grown
          foods contain fewer residues of toxic crop pesticides than conventionally-grown
          foods do? The answer is an emphatic yes, according to a scientific study published
          today in the peer-reviewed journal Food Additives and Contaminants.

          https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/organic-food-study_n…

          Organic food really is better for your health than its conventional counterparts. At least, that's the conclusion of a new study conducted by researchers at Newcastle University and published this week. But not everyone is convinced.

          Specifically, the researchers said that organic fruits, vegetables and cereals contain significantly higher concentrations of antioxidants than conventionally grown crops. They added that organic produce and cereals were found to have lower levels of toxic metals and pesticides.

          For the study — said to be the largest of its kind — the researchers analyzed more than 340 international, peer-reviewed studies that looked at compositional differences between organic and conventional crops.

          https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/organic-foods-really-do-have-l…

          A recent study at Boise State University in Idaho says that when it comes to pesticide exposure, organic foods live up to the health hype that's been surrounding them for decades.

        • [Deactivated] on 08/03/2018 - 19:25
          +6

          @EightImmortals:
          All three articles you provided says nothing about the safety of consumption. They literally say in their title to the effect of "organic food has less pesticides". You drew the conclusion of safety yourself. Unsubstantiated.

          The three studies (actually, they're not studies, they are news reports of alleged studies) don't reveal methodology in testing. Were the vegetables washed? Or did they sample the outermost parts of the unwashed vegetable?

          The second article (let's say Huffington Post passes as a credible news source… Of course it's not but let's just go with it), on top of the two points above, it cites the source (wohoo finally some evidence), so let's go there. Broken link. I'm sure it's just a stroke of bad luck (how unlike Huffington… Not)

          But seriously, three articles that studied organic crops defined to be grown in the absence of synthetic pesticides (amongst other things) found that organic crops have less pesticide on it? By god, someone call the news companies! (Wait… They literally did… How do I face palm?)

        • blawler05 on 09/03/2018 - 15:48

          @tshow: https://risk-monger.com/2016/04/13/the-risk-mongers-dirty-do…

          I researched this a year ago, and found that there was a organic pesticide (approved for organic farming) that had deadlier properties than DDT, however i cant find it anymore, so assume it was taken off the market.

          Organic farming most certainly does use pesticides, and some of them as linked in the article above, can be quite nasty.

        • [Deactivated] on 09/03/2018 - 16:23

          @blawler05:
          Thanks for the response.

          It is undeniable that organic farmers use pesticides on organic crop, however, organic farmers claim that the compounds they use are natural occurring hence is natural hence isn't a target compound when testing for synthetic pesticides.

          To be fair, the link you provided hardly cited any primary evidence so is also excluded from my consideration… I not that my consideration is worth anything but it is evidence based.

  • Helmuth on 08/03/2018 - 09:08

    This is ozbargain. Paying more for something without demonstrable benefits isn't going to be popular here.
    That being said: for some fresh fruit and veges it may be worth paying for pesticide free foods. Google for "Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen" for the list of foods for which organic might be worthwhile.

    • SlartiBartFozz on 09/03/2018 - 22:21

      Interestingly enough the Rockmelon made it onto that list of Clean foods, but most Australians will be avoiding that like the plague after the recent Listeria outbreak.

    • [Deactivated] on 30/03/2018 - 10:16

      "Paying more for something without demonstrable benefits isn't going to be popular here."

      Umm, this is Ozbargain. People literally buy stuff they don't need just because it's on sale. That's paying more for something than they otherwise would have, regardless of the benefit.

      • [Deactivated] on 30/03/2018 - 11:54

        Lets get to the root of this.
        People are generally superficial and selfish who spend up on clothes, deodorant , skin care and hair products ect all in an effort to Look Good while neglecting their interior body health.

        The sooner young people realise that eating healthy makes you look younger and more vital the sooner they will decide it's imperative.

        Trying to reverse ageing doesn't work , only prevention.

        You can still eat oily food , but fine oils , like
        Avo's ,nuts , olive oil.
        Your Choice.

  • dapt on 08/03/2018 - 09:31
    +2

    What is labelled "organic" and what is actually organic differs massively. There's little regulation in Australia.

  • GG57 on 08/03/2018 - 10:05
    +1

    There is probably not enough science to quantify if eating organics is worth it. Personal choice.
    Having said that, it can be surprising if you eat a really fresh, in-season, or an old-school variety, of some fruit or veggie, in comparison to the generic stuff in the major supermarkets. Those chains stock a lot of produce that is picked too early, chilled for extended periods, transported long distances, etc., which all affects the produce.
    By choice, I choose local, in-season produce (not necessarily organic).

  • Youfah Mizzum on 08/03/2018 - 10:24

    If you eat the whole fruit/vege skin and all, then organic gives a better warm fuzzy. You know you're not eating pesticides etc.
    But if you peel something first, say an orange or pumpkin or potato then you're pretty much peeling off the bad stuff (well, not all…I get that chemical fertilizers are used etc).
    If you like your celery, lettuce, apples etc, then go organic.

    And @GG57 has a good point about freshness.

    • Quantumcat on 08/03/2018 - 12:05
      +2

      Or, you know, wash it. Like a normal person

    • blawler05 on 09/03/2018 - 15:50

      Pesticides can be used in the growing of Organic foods.

      • [Deactivated] on 29/03/2018 - 09:16

        Like chilli as a pesticide?
        List an example

        • shakoo on 29/03/2018 - 15:00

          how about a organic pesticides post from organic grain millers

          or more specifically the SDS links on an organic weedkiller

          i need to read more about using chilli as a pesticide

        • [Deactivated] on 29/03/2018 - 15:59

          @shakoo:mate
          what we are talking about is not using chemicals that are detrimental to human health to grow food.

          There are alternatives to the chemicals which you have listed which have little to no effect.
          Other alternatives include mulching trees and increasing water retention , worm activity and soil structure rather than a chemical herbicide like round-up which has been shown up as carsonogenic (bad for humans)
          Plenty of alternatives but a lot can't be sold by chemical companies in 44 gallon drums from the local Produce Store .
          Hence Mainstream Farming- easier ,can be done from air-con cabin of john dear
          Alternative Farming - not buying bulk imported chemicals
          labor intensive , physical , getting your hands dirty
          Hence Alternative = Dirty Hippies
          but also = food that tastes good

        • shakoo on 29/03/2018 - 16:23

          @Sleepyweasel:
          sorry, i'm confused. didn't you literally reply blawler asking for examples of pesticides that are/can be used in the growing of organic foods?

          so i provided them. and now your talking about mulching and increasing water retention (does that apply to all plants/veges? as at a much smaller scale, growing flowers at home requires me to use different amounts of water to ensure I don't overwater certain plants)

          a quick search shows that round-up, specifically the key ingredient glyphosate, is classed as by IARC as a Class 2A (probably carcinogenic) substance. which puts it in the same carcinogen class as:
          wood smoke
          foods fried at high temperatures
          being a hairdresser/barber
          malaria
          red meat
          shiftwork that disturbs circadian rhythm
          drinking hot (over 65 degrees) drinks

          i'm genuinely interested in trying to understand your point of view, but i'm having a hard time interpreting some of your posts
          e.g. not buying bulk imported chemicals - does this mean that as long as they're locally sourced chemicals that they're ok?
          and, why can't they be sold by chemical companies in 44 gallon drums? even if they're "organic" like the ones in the links that I posted above?

        • [Deactivated] on 29/03/2018 - 16:29

          @shakoo:do you know what context is.
          Or more important to pull apart posts in order to " win internet argument"
          I'll leave you with it

        • shakoo on 29/03/2018 - 16:38

          @Sleepyweasel:

          see, the sad thing is, I didn't even consider that this was an argument at any point.

          I'm easily confused so I'm a bit unsure as to what you're leaving me with? However it seems like you're feeling antagonised by my attempts at clarifying your statements so I'll just drop the topic as I don't want to make you feel like i'm attacking/arguing with you.

        • [Deactivated] on 29/03/2018 - 16:52

          @shakoo: sorry ,I don't have all day to get you up to speed
          Bill Mollison has a book on permaculture, you might like it.

        • shakoo on 29/03/2018 - 18:05

          @Sleepyweasel:

          fair enough, i'll leave you to it then.

  • plmko on 08/03/2018 - 10:40
    -2

    People are confusing the term 'organic food' and suppliers are capitlising on that positive brand.

    Organic food really refers to small growers taking control of their supply away from industrialised farming and the price wars associated. They market freshness but really it's just a spin to jack up prices.

    Yes there are growers better than others, but 'organic food' is no different to the 'craft beer' term, it's a scam unless you do the research into what you're buying.

  • aoeueoa on 08/03/2018 - 10:53
    +2

    There is so much BS and misconception floating around about "organic" food. If you've never actually read into it, start here https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/science-sushi/httpblogs…

    Eg, most people think organic = no pesticides. 100% wrong.

    • [Deactivated] on 29/03/2018 - 16:03

      Getting your info from the pushers is probably not the smartest

  • dcep on 08/03/2018 - 10:55
    +5

    don't worry about it

    you don't die from eating non-organic fruit/vegies

    you die from eating fries, burgers, crap, sugars, sodium

    • [Deactivated] on 08/03/2018 - 12:20
      +1

      Did you know?

      100% of people who drink water, have passed away at some point in time.

      Lesson here: don't drink water.

      • [Deactivated] on 29/03/2018 - 16:08

        100% of people that shot themselves in the head died too
        Lesson - don't eat guns or listen to every idiot speaking shit

  • marcusv on 08/03/2018 - 10:58
    +5

    I suspect your "local organic food store" buys from producers and then adds large margins. Try finding a farmers market, then you can chat with old mate about how everything is grown. I find that fruit and veg from the farmers market is much cheaper than supermarkets, much better quality, lasts longer and tastes a million times better.

  • Nugs on 08/03/2018 - 11:02
    +4

    no

  • Seraphin7 on 08/03/2018 - 11:09
    +1

    It might be if you know what you are really buying and paying an even vaguely comparable price (i.e. not 3 times). If you're just picking it up the "organic shop" in your local shopping centre and paying a large premium over "standard" products, it's unlikely you are getting value for money … and are probably just getting ripped.

  • omgitzrick on 08/03/2018 - 12:04

    No.

  • KBZ on 08/03/2018 - 12:13

    Seeing as people are living longer and healthier due to modern medicine and improvements in agriculture process whether organic or not.
    I think it's pretty safe for you not to spend 3X the amount of a similar product.

  • scrimshaw on 08/03/2018 - 12:15
    +5

    There's a The Checkout video on this on ABC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlqk8oV1FVI

  • paddlestix on 08/03/2018 - 12:18

    Some vegetables are more highly sprayed than others - just because they are more likely to be attacked by pests otherwise - as per Helmuth commenting above, search up the ones that are ++ sprayed and if you eat these regularly - it might be beneficial to buy organic. Others, like another OzB commented, may have a very thick skin/peel so may not be as contaminated and so since going all organic can be pricey, these may be lower risk (unless you eat with peel on!).

    The more cost effective way to obtain organic = home grown :)

    Also washing all vegetables before preparing or cooking them, though seeming like common sense, isn't always done. Even washing those prepackaged ones that say they are pre-washed.

    It's obviously not of concern for everyone and each to their own priorities . The payoff is sometimes not that obviously seen, but for those of us who believe in doing what we can to help our health in prevention, it is worthwhile.

  • DarthAntz on 08/03/2018 - 12:23
    +3

    I live in a place where there is no need to put 'organic' on food labels. As per other comments, grow your own if you really care.

    Avoid processed foods, all the snacks.

    • GG57 on 08/03/2018 - 13:15
      +2

      Grow your own is good, except for some areas in Melbourne apparently:

      A new study of soil metal concentrations in residential and community vegetable gardens found soil in some Melbourne home gardens had elevated levels of lead.

      We all need to move to wherever you live.

      • DarthAntz on 08/03/2018 - 14:06

        Living and working in country Japan.
        I met a guy who travelled to this region, and he works in health foods importing and exporting organic and nutrient rich foods to/from japan for the 'organic' market. and thats what organic is, its just a market. He is in the process of moving out here because the food available is grown locally and seasonally, and continues the farming tradition. there are many places like this in the world and probably in your local area too.

        Definitely dont want you all to move to where i live. The question is, how do you maintain locally sourced produce in a safe and productive way, to influence the markets to do the same?

  • Sage on 08/03/2018 - 12:24

    There's definitely value in buying organic, but I'd rather save the money. Same goes for imported products over Australian.

    Trying organic vegetables, the quality is much higher and the food tends to genuinely taste better.
    There is no question that consuming zero pesticides and other chemicals can only be healthier for you.

  • Quantumcat on 08/03/2018 - 12:33
    -1

    No

  • bobbified on 08/03/2018 - 13:21

    The labelling and price may be "organic", but how do you even know you're really getting organic? The fruits and veggies don't taste any different or anything.

  • The Wololo Wombat on 08/03/2018 - 14:55
    +1

    Organic… that means it contains carbon… All food is organic!

  • coco1458 on 08/03/2018 - 16:09

    Question I have is is there any hard restriction to say under x% of pestides sprayed = organic
    Or is it just another marketing tag to open a different market?
    It's like that "Made in Australia" kangaroo tag, the whole product doesn't need to be made in australia, just some part of it + it's a marketing scheme.
    So what quantifies organic?

  • dasher86 on 08/03/2018 - 16:40

    really depends on how it gets it's organic source.
    I have a friend who's family owns a farm up in regional NSW.
    She told me she doesn't believe large farm produced organics because there is not enough regulation.
    eg. Organic farm receives back wash from non-organic farm, though they are not using it directly they still receive some of it.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/03/2018 - 19:41

    Judging by the lack of evidence, I say it is absolutely not worth it.

    Some will qualify anecdotal as evidence, so let's entertain that for a moment.

    People who qualify anecdotes here would be pro-organic food and can draw conclusions without scrutiny for methodology, sample size and sample spread. These people claim to consume "organic" food.

    Since there isn't data (of course there isn't. We don't even have an agreeable definition for "organic") that "non-organic" food causes harm, we do, however, have anecdotal "evidence" that "organic" food damages brain function.

    (Is it me or is it air bunny season?)

    • [Deactivated] on 09/03/2018 - 10:19

      Definitive proof every a-hole has an opinion

      • [Deactivated] on 09/03/2018 - 10:55

        Huh. Sample size of one makes for definitive proof.

        You must have eaten too much of them "organic" foods.

  • smux on 09/03/2018 - 08:00

    Without any evidence: I reckon the people who are fooled by organic marketing are more likely to be anti-vaccers in that they're willing to believe that something which isn't harmful is causing them harm and therefore willing to make their lives more difficult (in the case of organic they impose buying more expensive food unnecessarily and in the case of vaccines they put themselves and others in danger of infection)

  • [Deactivated] on 09/03/2018 - 08:27

    Well, as far as taste goes, I think that is determined by yield. I remember hearing that low yield crops (for vegetables) tend to have higher amounts of sugar than high yield crops.

    I think as far as pesticides on produce go, some are worse than others. I remember hearing that Strawberries are particularly bad (but then again you are probably not eating heaps of strawberries so would be less of an issue than the stuff you eat most?)

  • boccos on 09/03/2018 - 08:35
    -1

    The simplest rule is; If you have any allergies, persistant health indicators like coughs, sores, tiredness, and a miriad of other minor or major health issues, then going to Organic food is essential. Otherwise……do as you please until you get these persistancies, then switch to Organic Food.

  • Hithere on 09/03/2018 - 08:56

    If you can afford to pay the rip-off prices for the so called organic food con I say go for it.

    It won't do you any harm, also it's no different to eating 'normal'food, but if it gives you a warm fuzzy feeling inside and makes your day better maybe for you it's good.

    It's called the placebo effect.

  • [Deactivated] on 09/03/2018 - 09:11

    Yes
    It's always the sick people that turn 180° on their strong opinions.
    I prefer a common sense approach.
    Organic where I can afford it and it's available.
    Australian made whenever I look for new things and can remember.
    Grow my own when I have the time.
    For the super lazy : fruit trees give best bang for a little effort , also bananas
    And
    Seawead emulsion is the secret to root growth , plant health.
    Good luck , it's easy.

  • soan papdi on 09/03/2018 - 09:34

    https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/org…

    Several studies have compared the nutritional content of organic and conventionally grown plants, and most have shown no significant differences in key vitamin and mineral content

    However, the use of the word ‘organic’ is not regulated in Australia, so it is important to make sure that products you buy come from certified growers and producers.

    Buyer beware basically.

    • Albert10 on 09/03/2018 - 11:07
      +2

      but the article does mention, the pesticide is much lower in organic vege and fruit. And organic meat is from livestock not fed any growth-regulating drugs, steroids, hormones or antibiotics. I am concerned if we take those stuff into our body every day, what about your guys?

    • argonbay on 09/03/2018 - 14:21

      Read the book on use of antibiotics in raising livestock (Chickens, cows, pigs etc).
      https://www.wired.com/story/antibiotic-brined-chicken-and-ot…

      Eighty percent of antibiotics sold in the US go not to human patients, but to the nation’s plate-bound pigs, cows, turkeys, and chickens. As these wonder drugs became a mainstay of modern agriculture, factory farms began churning out another, far less welcome commodity—antibiotic resistant bacteria. These deadly new microbial threats are expected to claim the lives of 10 million people by 2050.

  • [Deactivated] on 09/03/2018 - 10:13
    +1

    Did those studies test for pesticide or herbicide residue?
    Also talking regulation , there is none in the chemical industry either.
    Only when it's found to be definitively toxic to human health do they eventually pull a chemical from market.
    Example - Round-up now found to be carsonogenic , but we were told it broke down in the soil into two different chemical compounds?
    And still selling?

    No round-up used on organic farms to suppress competing plants like grass or 'weeds' , just mulch.
    Which is much more labor intensive
    hence the increased cost.
    Also no pesticide equals more losses due to insects - like the fruit fly.

  • OBEY YOUR MASTERS on 09/03/2018 - 11:37

    There's probably going to be a lot of misinformation here from both sides of the debate. Just find a local farmers market and buy from the (organic) producers directly. It really doesn't cost much (any?) extra than buying from the supermarket. The organic food stores are way over priced.

  • Sensiekatie on 09/03/2018 - 12:43
    +2

    There is a list of food that contains fruit/vegetables that there is no point in buying certified organic over commercial. This is because organic still uses pest control and these produce items are sprayed.

    I feel growing your own or buying at farmers markets where the good has been picked recently is better for you - snd you are dealing with the grower.

    Organic produce does not last longer. I bought quite a bit recently as a house guest reacts to commercial pesticides. They went off very quickly.

    I would rather avoid GMO andI am quite annoyed that ALDI for one do not t use the labels that tell you that information.

    1) If there are only four numbers in the PLU, this means that the produce was grown conventionally or “traditionally” with the use of pesticides. The last four letters (or only four, in this case) of the PLU code are simply what kind of vegetable or fruit you’re buying. An example is that all bananas are labeled with the code of 4011.
    2) If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the number starts with “8”, this tells you that the item is a genetically modified fruit or vegetable. Genetically modified fruits and vegetables have been tampered with in an unnatural way; essentially, produce that has been genetically modified was created in a lab or over decades of artificial selection, and cannot be found in nature. A genetically engineered (GE or GMO) banana would be: 84011
    3) If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the number starts with “9”, this tells you that the produce was grown organically and is not genetically modified. An organic banana would be: 94011

    • Brendoo on 09/03/2018 - 14:22

      What is a PLU and where do we look this up this code for our food items?
      I assume you don't mean the barcode on a product that is scanned at the checkout? The numbering convention is different to what you describe and not used for that purpose (I work with retail barcodes/systems in my job so am very familiar with the allocation and use of barcodes in Australia, the majority being EAN-13 with 13 digits).

      • Sensiekatie on 28/03/2018 - 10:53

        Price look-up codes, commonly called PLU codes, PLU numbers, PLUs, produce codes, or produce labels, are identification numbers affixed to produce in grocery stores and supermarkets to make check-out and inventory control easier, faster, and more accurate. The code is a four- or five-digit number. The four digit PLU codes for produce are assigned randomly within the 3000 and 4000 series,[1] identifying the type of bulk produce, and often including the variety.

        I have seen them but they are often missing here - especially ALDI. it is not the barcode. The nes I have seen are on the top of the packaging all on their own and only have ave the 4 or 5 numbers.

        If there are only four numbers in the PLU, this means that the produce was grown conventionally or “traditionally” with the use of pesticides. The last four letters (or only four, in this case) of the PLU code are simply what kind of vegetable or fruit you’re buying. An example is that all bananas are labeled with the code of 4011.

        If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the number starts with “8”, this tells you that the item is a genetically modified fruit or vegetable. Genetically modified fruits and vegetables have been tampered with in an unnatural way; essentially, produce that has been genetically modified was created in a lab or over decades of artificial selection, and cannot be found in nature. A genetically engineered (GE or GMO) banana would be: 84011

        If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the number starts with “9”, this tells you that the produce was grown organically and is not genetically modified. An organic banana would be: 94011

        • D3AB on 30/03/2018 - 10:35

          No offense but this sounds utterly ridiculous. If true it's pretty strange. 9-11 was an inside job.

  • SlartiBartFozz on 09/03/2018 - 22:39
    +1

    If you have concerns about persticides, but don't want to overspend on groceries, you can use the Clean & Dirty 15 lists, which essentially boils down to frtui and vegetables with a skin are largely free of pesticides (if you don't eat the skin), discard the outer layer of cabbage or similar produce, and buy the rest organic if you can. Some products will be grown in the same farm with and without certification (organic certification adds a huge cost to the farmer), so you may be able to buy produce that is organic without paying the extra for the label.
    Community garden sell cheap produce that is often organically grown, just spend some time to look into the way their plots are being managed. If you have a bit of garden, it's worth growing your own as well, just make sure the soil you use is organic, in a raised garden bed and use organic pest controls.
    The is a myth that organic food tastes better, but it's really the absence of cool storage and transport, and the species of fruits/vegies (heritage, nonGMO varieties are bred for taste not for appearance) that makes all the difference. That's why home-grown tastes better.

  • pebee47 on 10/03/2018 - 00:33

    I eat food that has had pesticides and artificial fertilizers used on it. And meat that has probably had hormones fed to it.
    Tastes pretty good to me.
    I'll probably die 1 day earlier due to all the poison, but that might be countered by living 1 day longer as a result of not suffering the stress of worrying about my foods composition.

  • Candour on 10/03/2018 - 17:39

    choice magazine had articles on how 'organic' may not be an absolute standard. The local library should have these back issues which can help you gain more info on the value of organic certification. Dr Greger is also a useful source on the benefits of organic vs the detriments of the food industry (US and international research).

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