Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Redefining Organic

Being conscious of my figure, I cut out (most) junk foods in my teens. Being aware of my health (and my changing figure) I cut out (most) fats in my early 20s and had become a fledgling vegetarian later that decade, and an organic food enthusiast not too long after that.

With all the additives contributing to a host of conditions, many we may not even yet know about, it just seemed to me to make more sense to shop holistic and organic, and at least making an attempt to preserve my health and the health of my family.

Organic generally meant that the vegetables were pesticide-free, meats and eggs were free-range, and basically denoting foods and antibiotic, pesticide, and hormone-free. But, soon, organic may add another criteria to its list.

According to reports, the government is expected to approve food from cloned animals within the next year. And, while the Food and Drug Administration isn’t calling for special labels, and with scientists asserting no difference between clones and conventional animals, they do note that the public may have a difference of opinion.

With that in mind, some are calling for clearing up any public misconceptions via the proper labeling of meat and dairy products. In fact, they are suggesting that the new organic seal would also mean clone-free (foods).

They go on to add that cloning remains taboo among the organic community and for those that shop this way. In fact, buying ALL-NATURAL products is what fuels their organic expenditures.

Plus, some non-organic foods such as Ben & Jerry’s Homemade ice cream will also carry the “clone-free” label.

But, that too may soon change, since it remains unclear as to how the public will react to cloned animals and receive cloned foods and how much cloning will matter to consumers.

On the other hand, others “argue” that these labels are entirely un-necessary since cloned foods are deemed just as safe as “natural” ones.

The government has asked producers to voluntarily keep clones away from the food supply until final approval is granted.