Organic foods are grown and processed according to regulations that address factors related to soil quality, pest and weed control products, additives, and how animals are raised. For produce, it is considered certified organic if the soil it is grown in has had no prohibited substances applied to it for 3 years prior to harvest. This includes synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. For meat, it is considered organic if the animal is raised in a living condition that accommodates their natural behavior such as being able to graze in the pasture, fed 100% organic feed and is not given antibiotics or hormones. Also, all certified organic foods are not produced using genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 

Do I need to buy organic? 

If you choose organic foods, you dramatically reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. For meat products, you eliminate your exposure to hormones, antibiotics, and other drugs that may be in the animals.

How to clean most fruit and vegetables before storage:

• In a bowl, add ¼ cup of vinegar or apple cider vinegar with water.

• Let sit for ~30 minutes and then rinse

Let fruit and vegetables dry first before returning to the refrigerator.