![[Should You Buy Organic__Should_you_buy_organic_Study_complicates_decision_-_CNN.com__unknown_filename.jpeg]]Dirty Dozen\\" list, naming the fruits and vegetables ranking highest in pesticide residue. " border="0" height="360" width="640" style="padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;border-style:initial;border-color:initial;font-weight:inherit;font-style:inherit;font-size:100%;font-family:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;margin:0 auto;"> Every year the Environmental Working Group publishes its "[Dirty Dozen](http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/19/watch-out-for-the-2012-dirty-dozen/)" list, naming the fruits and vegetables ranking highest in pesticide residue.
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**STORY HIGHLIGHTS**
* New study says organic produce has no more vitamins, minerals
* Organic produce is less likely to contain pesticides, experts say
* Researchers found 33% greater risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in non-organic meat
**(CNN)** -- Jen Matlack's husband teases her about buying organic. It's not worth the extra money, he says, but she insists.
A new study promises to add fuel to their marital quarrel. Published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine, it finds that organic produce has no more vitamins and minerals than conventionally grown produce.
Mark one point for the hubby.
But the study also confirms that organic produce is less likely to contain pesticides, the real reason Matlack says she buys organic.
"We did find that organic produce, so fruits and vegetables, had a 30% lower risk of contamination with pesticide residues compared to conventional produce," said Dr. Crystal Smith-Spangler of Stanford University, the lead study author.
The study, which used data from hundreds of previous studies, also looked at pork and chicken.
Researchers found a 33% greater risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in non-organic pork and chicken, which they say "may be related to the routine use of antibiotics in conventional animal husbandry."
![[Should You Buy Organic__Should_you_buy_organic_Study_complicates_decision_-_CNN.com__unknown_filename.2.jpeg]]
Jen Matlack worries about purchasing produce with pesticides for her 6-year-old daughter, Mae.
They also found higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in organic milk and chicken.
"There are certain things I refuse to buy conventionally, knowing that there are a lot of chemicals in them," said Matlack, who has a 6-year-old daughter. "I feel like a better mom buying these particular foods."
And it's not for nothing.
Smith-Spangler and her colleagues note that previous studies have shown lower levels of pesticides in the urine of children who eat organic foods compared with children who eat conventional foods.
However, no studies have been conducted to determine specifically whether pesticides at these levels consumed by children actually cause harm, although other research has shown a correlation between higher levels of pesticides in pregnant mothers and reduced IQs and birth weights in their children.
This back-and-forth evidence makes a parent's decision less than clear-cut.
**How common are pesticides?**
About 7% of organic produce and 38% of conventional produce across the U.S. and Europe contains detectable amounts of pesticides, according to this latest study.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that in 2010, 59% of conventional produce in the U.S. contained detectable amounts of pesticides. That's after a proper washing, too.
Although the USDA doesn't allow organic farmers to spray with pesticides, sometimes chemicals drift over from nearby crops, or produce is handled in the same warehouse as organic produce, says Sonya Lunder, senior analyst at the Environmental Working Group.
**Assessing the risks**
Experts say the mere presence of a pesticide doesn't paint a complete picture for consumers trying to determine health risks.
The presence of pesticide residue is just one factor that determines risk, said Chuck Benbrook, a professor of agriculture at Washington State University.
"The others are the level of the residue, the timing of exposures in terms of a person's life cycle, the tissues that are exposed, the pesticide's innate toxicity, what else the person is exposed to and the presence of any synergistic effects, and whether the individual has normal or constrained ability to metabolize and deal with the toxic insult caused by the residues."
The dispute over organics in the home originates, at least in part, from the differing messages put out by institutions charged with protecting consumers.
When Matlack got pregnant, she started paying attention to the Environmental Working Group, which says to avoid pesticides and warns that "young children and pregnant women are especially at risk."
The American Academy of Pediatrics similarly says to "minimize using foods in which chemical pesticides or herbicides were used by farmers."
Matlack's husband, Jefferson Kolle, takes a different approach.
"I trust the FDA," he said. "I have to use something as my basis for making a decision. Oftentimes, I'm guided by my pocketbook."
The FDA says that "levels of pesticide residues in the U.S. food supply are well below established safety standards."
But the FDA limits on pesticides aren't designed to protect consumers from long-term exposure, says Alex Lu, a professor of environmental health at Harvard University.
"Because humans are much bigger in terms of body weight, that amount of dose that kills insects will not kill humans right away, but the mechanism is the same," Lu said.
**The bottom line**
Smith-Spangler says her patients ask her whether they should buy organic to be healthier, and she tells them it's hard to say.
"The decision to purchase organic is complex," she said. "Many factors go into it."
She tells them what science is out there, but of course, money is a factor, too.
The decision might be different for different people: Since fetuses and small children are growing so rapidly, they may be more vulnerable to harmful effects of pesticides and therefore might need "special consideration."
"I buy both organic and conventional," Smith-Spangler said.
In the absence of hard scientific data, Matlack and Kolle will continue to disagree about whether it's worth the extra money to buy organic for their daughter and themselves.
"For me, it's just kind of obvious that I don't want to put any kind of chemicals in my body that I don't need to," Matlack said.
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### Showing 40 of 220 comments
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plavelle [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
Hmm? All this
on a apple...life is complicated enough....wouldn't you say?
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nodat1 [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
is saying its organic the same as saying trust me baby I was working late????
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lisabones [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
I work in the Naturesmarket for Wegmans, and the food is actually very good. The only problem is that it's very pricey........
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SuZieCoyote [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
I had a friend who worked for the USDA. Said the whole inspection program was a joke. He had a moral crisis and quit. I don't know. Maybe some of them are good people, but the are in bed with agri. Agri knows when inspections are coming and they "help" craft all the regs. Do I trust 'em. No.
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in8deep [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
That's why USDA Organic is useless. There are other certifying groups.
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Billa Bong [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
The only thing i buy Organic is Condoms
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TwitHappens [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
Goat intestines?!?
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Comrade16 [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
When I hear a someone say "Is it gleuten free?" I want to punch them in the face.
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lisabones [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
Some people need to eat gluten free products because of something called a 'disease'??? Sorry it seems to upset you so much!
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Camille Mseikeh [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
Bless you. Gluten is a great nutriant and essential protien. Third world nation depend so much on protien from wheat, AND THEY MANAGED TO GIVE IT BAD NAME. MORONS.
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lisabones [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
I guess having Celiac disease is moronic??
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in8deep [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
I think you mean "gluten", but why in the world would you want to punch them in the face? Anger issues? Mental problem?
People don't have the right to choose what they do or don't want to eat without you wanting to "punch them"? Let me guess, either a police office, religious, or military-- am I right?
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in8deep [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
I will say that USDA Organic means nothing to me. You folks do realize that the USDA was being paid by big industry to bastardize the meaning of "organic" and allow traditional pesticides and fertilizers to still qualify under the "organic" label.
If you want real organic, go with one of the independent testing organizations. Buy your food at Vitamin Cottage if you can, they do most of the organic / local footwork for you. I'm lucky to have a Vitamin Cottage down the road from my house.
Forget Whole Foods-- I was in there the other day and couldn't even get organic peaches or organic citrus. I asked to speak with the manager and was told "Most of our customers prefer non-organic"... and my reply was "Isn't organic the whole point of Whole Foods???". Whole Foods is so expensive, I don't know any other reason someone...
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Tahj Trav [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
Reasons to buy organic. Example Partially Hyrdrogenated oils, BHA, Caramel coloring, high fructose syrup and loads more. Caramel Coloring = Carcinogenic found in Soda, syrups etc Look it up and research it you will be shocked what the FDA allows in our foods!
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nodat1 [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
interesting all the produce in the pictures are hybrids and have been genetically altered even some are not native to the USA so are they still considered organic?
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nodat1 [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
ok the grapes maybe native
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Zona [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
"I trust the FDA," he said. "I have to use something as my basis for making a decision..." Ahh, how sweet that someone still trusts the FDA. The same organization that thinks it's A-OK to put pink slime 'beef' & antibiotic/hormone packed milk (that is outlawed in all other English speaking countries) into our kid's school lunches.
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erniepf [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
Assuming people and corporations know how to handle pesticides and herbicides carefully. That's rarely the case, especially with big ag dumping the stuff everywhere.
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in8deep [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
I buy only US-grown organic produce for my family. Nutrional value has never even entered the equation-- this is all about reducing pesticide exposure.
"I trust the FDA", the article says. Well I don't. I don't trust the FDA or the USDA... not one bit.
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erniepf [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
If humans continue to breed like cockroaches, then sure, we'll have food crises everywhere. If humans had an iota of common sense, then small farms, sustainable ag practices and pesticide-free farming would shine.
The problem is we grow so much food and hope to feed the world. That simply isn't a sustainable model. The other problem is western cultures overeat beyond belief.
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texdoc78154 [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
What's even more funny, is the rate of farm production lost to insects in the last 100 years has not changed at all, despite tons and tons of pesticides. Nature wants her cut, just let her have it.
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globaldecay [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
Guest- Multicrop, multispecies rotation with integrated pest managment has also reduced loss to insects and disease.
texdoc is not well educated.
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Guest [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
That's an interesting point, but demonstrably false. The Green Revolution of the 1950s and 1960s drastically increased per-acre yield.
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erniepf [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
"But the study also confirms that organic produce is less likely to contain pesticides, the real reason Matlack says she buys organic."
No shite, Sherlock. This country and the rest of the world dumps tons of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and rodenticides into our soil and water. Forget climate change for a moment.... we're slowly poisoning the planet and humans in another way.
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Guest [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
Yet we live longer than we ever have before. I'll take the incredibly slight and in some cases only theoretical drawbacks to modern food science along with the amazing benefits.
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texdoc78154 [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
The article is simply stating, doesn't matter how you grow fruit and vegatables they have the same nutritional value. That doesn't mean they are the same.
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TwitHappens [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
Yuuuup!
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globaldecay [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
If you have a pregnant or nursing mother in the family the answer is YES, YES, YES! Toxic pesticides, herbicides and heavy metals always pose a far greater risk to women, children and the unborn fetus. These chemicals cause far more birth defects, miscarriages, child deaths and fetal atrophies than all abortions combined.
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DTigner [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
texdoc78154, miscarriage rates have remained steady "for centuries" eh? And do you suppose that records from "centuries" ago are as accurate or were even kept to make such comparisons? People didn't even used to go to hospitals to have a kid. if someone had miscarriage, there was typically no record even kept.
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gesoflip [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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globaldecay [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
Annals of Oncology, Epidemiology, Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Journal of Neuroscience, Occupational Environmental Medicine, and the American Journal of Public Health are just some of the journals reporting associations between agricultural pesticides and birth defects, pregnancy complications, and miscarriage.
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texdoc78154 [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
There is no evidence of that in misscarriages. Miscarriage rates have remained steady for centuries.
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dm77 [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
Do what you feel you need to do.
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MoleMD [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
I primarily choose organic because I believe that it is better for the environment. It supports more sustainable farming practice, pollutes less, uses fewer chemicals, supports small farmers and often more local farmers. I also prefer to avoid pesticides when possible. I feel that the increased cost is worth it for these benefits.
It is pretty idiotic to promote organic primarily as having more nutrients as there is no rational reason to think that might be the case, therefore this article is about a non-issue. Please try again.
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goodyweaver [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
@Guest - in the long run, organics are far more sustainable, because they do not decimate the land they are grown on. The intensive cultivation and chemicals used in nonorganic agribusiness essentially turn the soil into a desert eventually. Organic agriculture involves a cycle of use and rest that allows the soil to rejuvenate itself. Further, the chemicals used in factory agriculture are creating "superweeds" and "superbugs" that cannot be killed with traditional methods, and which have wiped out entire fields of monocrops (huge fields with only one crop, which are a terrible idea due to disease and insects that target them) and caused food prices to skyrocket. Organics may take more planning and care, but they certainly are not less sustainable than turning your arable land into desert.
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Guest [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
How is it sustainable to support a food source that requires more acres per ton of produce? While first-world consumers decide to buy a more land-intensive source of food, they are essentially reducing the amount of land available to feed the rest of the world.
If we in the first world continue to choose organic food over its more advanced counterparts, then we doom the rest to a Malthusian struggle.
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nodat1 [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
What is criteria for organic grown produce and who is controlling the term organic? who inspect growing process to ensure that this so call produce is truly organic
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globaldecay [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
texdoc- Thanks for that demo on America's failed education system.
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texdoc78154 [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
Organic is a silly term. It's been used by scientist for centuries to describe all chemical processes based on the carbon atom. That includes pesticides!
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Susan Kellett Gue [Expand](http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/03/health/organics-versus-conventional/index.html?hpt=hp_c2#)
30% fewer pesticides and 33% less anti-biotic resistant bacteria? Those "minor" things???Yep, I'll stick with my organic.
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