08/11/08 Organic Imports

Once again China is in the news regarding contaminated imports, this time in the way of "organic" produce. In this past year alone China has been making headlines for exporting toxic pet food and children's toys. Now it appears they have been exporting organic ginger contaminated with levels of a pesticide, one that can cause nausea, headaches and blurred vision even at low levels. Here in the states most organic farmers comply with and believe in a set standard of organic principles. However, since Congress has failed to supply adequate funding for enforcing these standards on organic imports, the market is wide open for less than scrupulous tactics. For the growing number of Americans who prefer organic produce the local growers or farmers markets seem to be the obvious choice in order to ensure that their food is produced in a safe and healthy environment. It is refreshing and encouraging to say the least to once again be able to take pride in a label that reads, "American made and grown".