Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Heavy metal

Nobody seems to have stood up the idea that organic food is better for you than conventional. But what if it's worse?

For example, in 2007, researchers conducted an analysis of wheat grown on various farms in Belgium; based on the results, they estimate that consumers of organically grown wheat take in more than twice as much lead, slightly more cadmium, and nearly equivalent levels of mercury as consumers of wheat grown on conventional farms.
I buy organic sometimes. I want some wildlife to exist. But I'd prefer to find some way of feeling confident of that while avoiding the sanctimonious priesthood of the Soil Association.

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