Looking to include more additive- and pesticide-free foods in your diet? Discover how to spot real organic products, and 10 of the most popular options.
When purchasing organic foods, look for foods processed under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) which are about 95 per cent (or higher) organic. If you're new to organic food, or just looking for more options, consider these 10:
1. Apples
Apples consistently rank as one of the top fruits with detectable pesticide levels. Many commercial farmers use chemicals to avoid fungus and insect threats when growing fruit. Organic apples are grown in orchards that are free of chemicals.
2. Strawberries
Like apples, strawberries treated with pesticides are prone to have pesticide residue after harvest. Look for organic strawberries with 100 per cent organic certification, or CIFA approved.
3. Grass-Fed beef
Truly organic beef comes from pasture-raised cattle rather than cattle raised on high grain feeds that may contain pesticides and saturated fat. Certified organic beef should be labeled as grass fed.
4. Organic milk
Look for Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) certification, which requires longer access to pasture, chemical-free grass feeding and no use of Bovine Growth Hormones (BGH). Follow similar practice when buying other organic dairy products such as cheese.
5. Organic eggs
Terms such as “cage-free” or “free-range” can be misleading, but it's recommended that you buy your organic eggs from producers whose hens have been raised on organic feed and have not been given antibiotics.
6. Organic chicken
Organic chicken is raised to the standards of the Canadian General Standards Board as well as those set by a provincial organic certification board (which vary). Generally though, organic chicken must have been fed certified organic feed containing no animal by-products, unapproved supplements or antibiotics.
7. Organic honey
For truly organic honey, purchase raw honey as it is completely free of additives and has had minimal processing. Otherwise, honey labelled as organic can contain traces of additives.
8. Organic potatoes
Since potatoes are a staple for many people, organic potatoes are a good choice in avoiding possible negative effects of pesticides. Also, organic vegetables are shown to be more nutritious and better, natural food options.
9. Organic coffee
In Canada, this label applies to organic content greater than 95 per cent and can bear the logo “Canada organic.” Some producers advertise their beans as having come from farmers who use sustainable agricultural methods.
10. Organic greens
Organic greens such as spinach, broccoli and cabbage are more nutritious and healthier options than commercially produced vegetables. They contain no pesticide particles and are grown in organic fertilizer.
Eat well and feel better with organic fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy, which are increasingly popular among consumers because of their nutritional and environmental benefits. Read labels carefully and look for produce that is CFIA certified to ensure you and your family maintain a healthy diet.
