May 2, 2008 4:01 pm US/Eastern
Don't Be Deceived By Organic Food Labels
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Take a look around the supermarket and shoppers will notice the word "organic" is no longer confined to one small corner of the produce section. There are organic products in the dairy section, the bakery aisle, and even Kraft has an organic version of their famous macaroni and cheese.
"I don't know that much about organic foods," said one shopper. "But when I hear that, I think I'm paying more."
In many cases that shopper is right. Organic peppers are currently about $1 more per pound, while a half gallon of organic milk was $2 more. Kraft's organic Macaroni and Cheese will cost an extra dollar.
Some shoppers believe they are getting more for their money.
"I just feel that with all the chemicals and the antibiotics that are in milk and a lot of the things we consume, I feel a lot better knowing it's organic," said one mother, as she filled her cart with organic products.
Buying organic may make that mom feel better, but some labels mean more than others. Consumer Reports says if you want the most for your organic buck, stick with the label that says "USDA Organic." It means animals are given 100 percent organic feed, farms are inspected by the government and companies that handle organic food are certified.
Click here to learn more about the USDA's national organic program.
University of Pittsburgh Nutritionist Judy Dodd explained that there's an even more important label if you're looking for the chemical-free food. It says "produced without the use of antibiotics, added growth hormones, or pesticides."
"If it's there, it's a reason to buy it and pay the difference," said Dodd.
Dodd said cage-free eggs are something you may want to think twice about.
"(If) you're thinking that they're out there pecking in the woods, no," she said.
"Cage free" eggs can cost as much as a dollar more a dozen. What does it mean? Dodd said it can mean that the bird's cages are left open for as little as five minutes a day. She also said there is really very little difference in nutrition.
Another label that can be deceiving is "natural". There are no government standards, so anyone can use the word natural to mean whatever they want.
Dodd also cautions shoppers against seafood that's labeled "organic."
"Show me what's organic? You can't control what's out there, nor can you test for it," she said.
Dodd said organic pasta is the real deal.
"It starts from wheat. If that wheat is organically grown then that means there are less pesticides and residues, if that's your concern," she said.
But if you're concern is saving money, you'd better pay attention to those labels.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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