14 DAY TRIAL // Organic food is believed to be healthier and better tasting than conventionally harvested food, which is why the niche it has on the market is gaining in popularity. A recent study, conducted by European consumer watchdog Stiftung Warentest shows that whatever health benefits companies marketing organic food claim are not founded, as there is no scientific data to back them up, Consumer Freedom reports.
The investigation included organic baby food and also included the opinion of experts from Mayo Clinic and the American Dietetic Association, who say that there is no scientific evidence to all the health claims being made in the media. Despite this fact, reports of them continue to surface in the press, which probably explains why many are convinced that organic food really does taste better, while also being healthier for the body.
“Much of the proof advanced by both the Soil Association and the Organic Center are based on research articles that have not been reviewed by independent scientists and data that are not statistically significant. Nonexistent or incomplete data are nevertheless ‘published’ in the media. In some cases, organic food proponents omit data that do not support their views… Consumers who buy organic food because they believe that it contains more healthful nutrients than conventional food are wasting their money,” Professor Joseph Rosen of Rutgers University says, as cited by the aforementioned publication.
Moreover, claims by specialized companies that the entire food industry could go organic if people wanted it are just as founded, Consumer Freedom goes on to say. “Limited crop yields mean organic agriculture simply can’t feed the world. University of Manitoba agronomist Vaclav Smil calculated that in order to replace synthetic nitrogen (widely used today) with organic nitrogen, the U.S. alone would need an additional 1 billion livestock (for manure) and 2 billion acres of forage crops (for the livestock). That’s the size of the lower 48 states. In other words, the organic niche is just that – a niche, and a feel-good boutique system for those who can afford it. But the idea that its widespread use would bring widespread benefits to humanity belongs in the compost,” the publication says.
Undoubtedly, as we speak, makers of organic food must be preparing a response to this new study, which comes as a serious hit to this segment of the market. To find out which is this, keep an eye on this space and we’ll keep you informed.