Organic food superior

This article was originally published in August 2014

A major study published in the prestigious British Journal of Nutrition claims conclusive evidence that organic crops &#8212 and foods &#8212 are nutritionally superior to conventional crops and foods.

An international team led by Newcastle University analyzed 343 studies, the largest research effort of its kind. It found organic crops and foods have up to 60 percent more key antioxidants than conventionally grown crops.

Pesticide residues are much lower in organic crops and organics contain significantly lower levels of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal. Researchers say the study corrects shortcomings of earlier studies.

Also in this issue

State labeling initiatives

Two more GMO labeling initiatives appear headed for the ballot this November.

New FDA regulations for "gluten-free"

As of this month, gluten-free claims must conform with new regulations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), requiring that foods labeled "gluten-free" must be free of wheat, barley or rye, and that "any unavoidable presence of gluten" must result in less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.

Letters to the editor, August 2014

Global warming and agriculture, Healthy sunscreen, Sugar in recipes, and more