Food Truth: Behind The Veil

1.

What is “organic farming”?

A.

Tastes great, less filling
B.

A brand new way of growing food that was just invented
C.

Farming without the use of pesticides, antibiotics or genetically altered organisms

Correct Answer
C. Farming without the use of pesticides, antibiotics or genetically altered organisms

Explanation
For the vast majority of human history, agriculture can be described as organic. The word "organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat don't use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease. (Source: http://www.pbs.org/strangedays/glossary/O.html)

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2.

“Certified Organic” and “Organic” labels mean that the food is 100% organic.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
“Certified” or "100 percent organic"= 100% organic – this is the best quality food
"Organic" = only 95% organic. May contain natural flavors and other additives under 5%
"Made with organic (specified ingredients)" = at least 50% organic ingredients
“Organic (specified ingredient)” in the ingredient panel only = than 50% organic ingredients in total product (Source: http://www.ams.usda.gov)

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3.

What about ‘natural flavors’ – they sound fake, but I see them listed as an ingredient in organic food. What are they?

A.

Flavors from natural sources, like organic fruit extracts
B.

MSG, also known as glutamic acid
C.

Beef by-products
D.

All of the above

Correct Answer
D. All of the above

Explanation
This is a grey area. Natural flavors can be considered compliant as “organic” when used under the 95% rule (flavorings constitute 5% or less of total ingredients and meet that meet the appropriate requirements) if their organic counterparts are not available. Vegetarians, vegans, and anyone with food allergies should be mindful of what type of natural flavors are in their organic food products since they may present a problem. (Source: http://archive.supermarketguru.com/page.cfm/6046)

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4.

ALL Beef Is Grass-Fed.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Yes, all. Some cows graze on green pastures and eat only grass right up to their last day. In addition to having a better life, their meat is nutritionally superior and much tastier. The other 98% of cattle are fed grass early in life but then are sent to factory farms to be fattened on grain, soy and other supplements. Factory farmed cattle are prone to sickness due to conditions and unnatural diet and consume more anitibiotics than human beings do! (Source: http://www.eatwild.com/basics.html)

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5.

What’s all the fuss about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?

A.

We don’t really know yet.
B.

GMOs are poisonous.
C.

The technology was borrowed from aliens.

Correct Answer
A. We don’t really know yet.

Explanation
GMOs (or “genetically modified organisms”) are organisms that have been created through the gene-splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). The use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) is an unproven technology and there is insufficient scientific data regarding the long-term effects GMOs may have on the environment or on human health. In 30 other countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production of GMOs, because they are not considered proven safe. In the US, companies that use GMOs are not even required to label their products as such. (Source: http://www.ota.com/organic/gmos/gmo.html)

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6.

What percentage of food products in US supermarkets contain GMOs?

A.

Less than 15-25%
B.

About 40-50%
C.

More than 60-70%

Correct Answer
C. More than 60-70%

Explanation
As of 2001, the Grocery Manufacturers of America, a trade association of major food companies, estimated that 60 to 70 percent of food products sold in supermarkets may contain GMOs.* Today that number is likely much higher, and has been estimated as high as 90%. (*Source: http://www.mindfully.org/GE/GE2/From-Fields-To-Supermarket.htm)

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7.

What foods are most likely to contain GMOs? Here's a hint:

A.

Cheese
B.

Diet ice cream
C.

Salad greens

Correct Answer
B. Diet ice cream

Explanation
Processed foods are most likely to contain GMO ingredients. For example, fish “antifreeze” genes are inserted into Breyer’s Light Double-Churned, Extra Creamy Chocolate ice cream to offset freezer burn and make a less expensive product. 50% of the papayas grown in Hawaii are GMO. Your tomatoes and sweet corn may be GMO. Anything containing corn, soy, canola, or cotton products as ingredients may be GMO. Whole Foods and Wild Oats have pledged not to carry GMO products, and Trader Joe’s has promised not to source their store label items from GMO producers. (Source: http://truefoodnow.org/shoppers-guide)

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8.

If the eggs I buy are labeled "cage-free", I know the chickens that produced them have been treated well.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
An estimated 95% of the 280 million egg-laying hens in the U.S. are confined in cages.* "Cage-Free" is a step in the right direction, but “cage-free” only means that the chickens aren't in cages. It does not guarantee the chickens spent a happy life in the sunshine eating grass and bugs and scratching in the dirt. Cage-Free/Free Range chickens are uncaged inside barns or warehouses, but they generally do not have access to the outdoors. (*Source: www.uepcertified.com/media/pdf/UEP-Animal-Welfare-Guidelines.pdf)

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9.

Since I care about taste AND animal welfare, I should buy certified organic eggs instead, right?

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Certified Organic birds are uncaged inside barns or warehouses and are required to have outdoor access, but the amount, duration, and quality of outdoor access is undefined. They are fed an organic, all-vegetarian diet free of antibiotics and pesticides. Beak cutting and forced molting through starvation are permitted. “Animal Welfare Approved” or “Pastured” eggs are the best indicators of quality and compassion. Even better, have a chat with the farmers at your local greenmarket or CSA about how they raise their chickens. (Source: http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/confinement_farm/facts/guide_egg_labels.html)

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10.

I have heard that plastic drink bottles are unsafe because of BPA. What is BPA?

A.

An endocrine disruptor that can mimic sex hormones, causing premature puberty in girls and some types of cancer
B.

A toxic chemical found in the urine of 90% of the US population
C.

A substance that is added to soft plastic to make it sturdier
D.

The reason your friends have those cool metal water bottles
E.

All of the above

Correct Answer
E. All of the above

Explanation
Canada banned it already. Many scientists have found evidence that bisphenol A, or BPA, is harmful, even in the small doses leached from plastic during heating or exposure to acidic foods or strong detergents, because it can mimic sex hormones. BPA has been linked to early puberty in girls, developmental problems, and cancer. In March 2010, the EPA declared it a “chemical of concern” but will not ban it until further testing is complete. It is still commonly found in the lining of most canned foods and in clear plastic products, including baby bottles, food storage containers, and even dental fillings! (Source: http://www.organicconsumers.org/school/bpa041505.cfm)

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