A woman finds out that her organic peanut butter snack bar is contaminated with Salmonella. She is shocked when she learns that it is possible. Wouldn't you be? Americans spend almost 50% more for any food which carries an organic label in the hopes that the product is healthy. But is this always the case?
The answer to this question is no. The term organic on a food label technically has nothing to do with the safety of the food itself. The only thing that makes organic food safer is the fact that it is grown without chemical pest control. This does not mean that the food will not have other safety factors involved. Neither does it mean that the food is grown locally or produced by workers who are given a fair wage.
The peanut plants in Texas and Georgia that were sending out peanut products contaiminated with Salmonella had problems with bird droppings, mold, and rodent contamination. They also had Federal organic certifications.
When purchasing foods at the grocery store ask yourself what are your real concerns about foods? If pesticides are your main issue then spend the extra money for organic. If bacteria is the issue, then be nice to your wallet and buy regular, just wash and cook thoroughly.
