Scandal over the lack of oversight of the organic-certified salmonella-growing peanut plants shakes me. I can't bring myself to go to Whole Foods. The thought of paying a large percentage premium for what I thought was superior food is too disturbing. Yes, the bulk peanut butter in the bins at Whole Foods is on the FDA Product Recall List. (I haven't bought bulk peanut butter, though, since I saw an elderly couple dipping their fingers in the vat for tastes. Hung up, I am.)
I've heard other people saying similar things. "I'll never buy another Clif Bar," for example -- to name a supposedly organic product that was listed in the recall. Or how about Breyer's Tin Roof Sundae ice cream? There's a brand I trust.
Organic certification, it seems, is a matter of money -- that's the painful part, as written up last week in the NY Times -- It’s Organic, but Does That Mean It’s Safer? (March 4, 2009)
Yes, salmonella is organic. That doesn't comfort me at all. I want to know if the chicken I've paid double for was really worth it. If the vegetables are any different than the ones at Von's or Kroger's (depending at which end of the country I'm shopping). Have I been deluded?
Considering this reaction -- along with the downturn in the economy -- I wouldn't buy Whole Foods stock this week!
1 comment:
Hi Mae, being as new to farming as we are and trying to observe the best practices for both our customers and our products, we are also discouraged by organic labeling. I don't want this to sound like sour grapes but in this day it is truly 'buyer beware'. We have found that many sellers use the organic name just to get a higher price for their product. I wish I knew the answer but there is far to little overseance in the use of the name 'organic'.
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