New UK Study Shows Organic Food is Healthier

New UK Study Shows Organic Food is Healthier
Birmingham Post (UK)
August 7, 2001

GRASSROOTS RESEARCH SHOWS ORGANIC FOOD SAFER FARE FOR HEALTH CONSCIOUS

A growing body of scientific evidence indicates that organic food is safer
and better for consumers than non-organic food, according to a report being
launched yesterday.

The document, Organic Farming, Food Quality and Human Health, unveiled by
the Soil Association, calls for more research but says consumers wishing to
improve their intake of minerals and vitamin C while reducing their exposure
to potentially harmful pesticide residues and food additives, should choose
organic food wherever possible.

Soil Association director Patrick Holden said: 'This report contradicts Sir
John Krebs, head of the Food Standards Agency, who said last year that there
was not enough information available to be able to say that organic food is
nutritionally different from non-organic food.
'On average we found that organic crops are not only higher in vitamin C and
essential minerals, but also higher in phytonutrients, compounds which
protect plans from pests and disease, and are also beneficial in the
treatment of cancer.

'These findings, coupled with health concerns linked to pesticides,
antibiotics, GMOs, nitrates and additives occurring in non-organic foods,
suggests increased government support for organic production could have
significant health benefits in addition to the environmental benefits
already proven.'

Nutritionist Shane Heaton, who researched and wrote the report, said:
'Official data show an alarming decline in mineral levels in fruit and
vegetables over the past half century.

'Even though the typical western diet is more varied now than ever before,
nutrient deficiencies are common and human health is declining as a result.

'My analysis suggests that farming methods can make a significant difference
to levels of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, and the evidence for
this is strong enough to warrant the Food Standards Agency, DEFRA and the
Department of Health funding much more research in this area.'

But the FSA said that although it welcomed the report, the document did not
change its view about organic food.