Organic produce remains popular despite debunking of health claim

Consumers continue to purchase organic food despite recent US scientific studies that questioned the validity of organic claims, the Irish Organic Food Growers group has said.

“What is clear from this and previous research is that people who purchase organic food are doing so because they want food that does not contain pesticides,” said IOFGA general manager Gillian Westbrook.

“People buying certified organic food also know that they are purchasing a product that has high animal welfare standards, and is kinder to the environment and natural resources. Taste is a bit more subjective. However, people will not repeat purchase if a product does not taste good and many consumers that we spoke to rate taste as one of the main reasons they purchase organic food.”

A team of researchers from Stanford University and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care reviewed more than 200 studies and found organic produce and meat typically is no better for you than conventional food when it comes to vitamin and nutrient content, although it does generally reduce exposure to pesticides and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.