Dietitians of Canada

Organic foods

Background

Some Canadian farmers grow organic grains, fruit, vegetables, milk and meat. Organic farming is a method of growing food without:

• synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
• antibiotics
• growth hormones

Position

Are organic foods safe? Organic foods are as safe as foods grown by conventional means. There is one exception. If antibiotics are not used in raising poultry, higher levels of salmonella have been found in those chickens.

Are organic foods healthier? Some research shows that antioxidant levels are higher in organic produce. Vitamin content is largely the same as in conventionally-grown foods. It is hard to compare since farms have different soil quality, growing temperatures, amount of light and seed variety.

How do consumers know when a food is organic? Since 2009, a special “organic” label has been used on packaging for Canadian organic foods.
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Should consumers buy organic foods? Buying organic is a personal choice that depends on the cost, appearance and taste of the food. It also depends on your personal values. The most important part of a healthy diet is to ensure you eat a wide variety of nutritious foods.

Actions

In 2010, Dietitians of Canada prepared an evidence review about organic foods so dietitians would have the best information on this subject. We used this review to develop educational fact sheets for consumers as part of our 2010 Nutrition Month Campaign. The campaign promoted Canadian food products for good health.