Organic, Natural and Local What do they mean

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Organic, Natural and Local - What do they mean?

• Connie Diekman, M.Ed. RD, LD, FADA
• Director of University Nutrition
• Connie_diekman_at_wustl.edu
• 2007 2008 ADA President

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Organic, Natural and Local

• Organic is defined by USDA
• Natural voluntary label with a few guidelines
• Local definition varies

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Organic

• Four categories for labeling
• Voluntary choice to label
• Does not apply to fish

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Natural

• Guidelines weak and inconsistent
• Generally no artificial coloring or ingredient
  and minimally processed
• Other boundaries vague

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Local

• No consistent definition
• Often defined as within a 50 mile radius
• Does not address fertilizers, pesticides or other
  additives

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Nutritional Differences

• Limited evidence to show nutritional benefit
• A few small studies show more Vitamin C
• Dairy foods may have more Vitamin E and ALA

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Safety Concerns

• Organic produce no safer than conventional in
  terms of foodborne bacteria
• Concern for pesticides from chemicals makes
  organic safer
• Organic crops use environmentally friendly
  pesticides

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Safety Concerns

• Wash hands when touching produce
• Keep away from raw meat, fish or poultry
• Remove outer leaves
• Purchase whole fruits and cut yourself
• Rinse well

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Bottom-line

• Produce belongs in a healthy eating plan
• Nutritionally little difference
• Know your supplier and ask questions
• 
  July 2007