Lost in the supermarket?

When shopping and preparing organic food, what should you look for? Jane Carlyle of the Food Safety Info Line has some suggestions.

Foods grown organically and those produced conventionally have similar nutritional value, according to Jane Carlyle, co-ordinator of the Food Safety Info Line. And the similarities don’t stop there, because both food varieties are equally susceptible to the same risks when it comes to food safety.

“Our advice is to handle all foods the same,” says Carlyle. “Whether vegetables or meat, you have to take the same precautions when handling and preparing. Keep in mind, that animal manures are often used as organic fertilizers. So, thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables, promptly refrigerate perishable foods and wash your hands with hot, soapy water. As well, when purchasing eggs, buy Canada Grade ‘A’ eggs that have been kept refrigerated and check that the shells are clean and uncracked.”

Here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for organic food, courtesy of the Food Safety Info Line.

Check the label

• Look for a “certified organic” mark on food labels plus the name or the number of the certifying body which has carried out the inspection and has certified that all stages of the production, processing, packaging and distribution meet the organic standards for that product.

Retail stores

• Retail stores are stocking an ever-increasing variety of Canadian produced as well as imported fresh, canned and packaged organic foods. The onus is on the retailers to verify that these foods meet the organic standards recognized in their place of origin. Afterall, that’s why they often charge more for these products.

Farmers’ markets

• Organic foods sold at farmers’ markets are covered by the same regulations as organic foods sold at supermarkets. But at the farmers’ market, the consumer has the chance to ask the producer or his representative about his certification program. Consumers should check product labels and question vendors about the certification of the specific product.

A producer could be certified for only part of his operation. If still in doubt about the claim organic, ask to see the documentation such as a certificate to ensure that the producer adheres to the organic standards and has been certified and/or recognized by a certifying Canadian body.

For more information on food safety, call the Food Safety Info Line 1.800.892.8333.