The Farmer's Daughter USA

Hi, I'm Amanda! My family farms corn and soybeans in Southwest Michigan. I'm also a practicing attorney.

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Organic Produce at Risk for Foodborne Pathogens, Too

November 9, 2016

Does organic food have higher incidences of foodborne pathogens?

That’s exactly the question that some scientists from the CDC tried to determine. In a recently published study in the Journal of Food Protection, researchers reviewed reported cases of outbreaks of food-related illnesses from 1992 through 2014. Using reports from the CDC’s Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System, they found there were 18 outbreaks caused by organic food, which were linked to almost 800 illnesses and 250 hospitalizations. More than half of the outbreaks occurred from 2010 through 2014, which researchers attributed to the growing number of people purchasing organic produce.

Unfortunately, the data was particularly limited because when outbreaks occur, production methods for the food is not always gathered or contained in the report. That means the numbers for organic outbreaks were likely higher. In situations where government investigators are trying to figure out the source of an outbreak, production methods are, understandably, not usually the first concern. Nor is the information required in the report. Therefore, researchers were unable to pinpoint the relative risk of foodborne pathogens in organic versus conventional food.

But forget about the relative risk of organic versus conventional food for outbreaks – that’s hardly the teachable moment here.

So many people purchase organic food because they are convinced it is somehow safer for their families. Most of this comes from the erroneous conclusion that organic agriculture does not use pesticides. However, some people also believe that organic food is just safer period, including for the potential risk of foodborne pathogens. As this report reveals, that is a false assumption. Organic food is just as much at risk as conventionally grown produce.

The researchers offered some advice: “consumers should not assume organic foods to be more or less safe than foods produced by conventional methods. Proper handling, preparation, and storage of foods, regardless of production method, are necessary to prevent foodborne illness.”

So, if you’re trying to decide whether you need to purchase organic produce out of food safety concerns, the reality is that you don’t need to do so. Purchase whatever produce looks good and fits within your budget, just use good handling practices.

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Filed Under: Organic, Production Methods Tagged With: food safety, fresh, organic

Hi, I'm Amanda. My family farms corn and soybeans in Southwest Michigan. I'm an attorney and I'm passionate about agriculture!

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Green soybeans as far as the eye can see. I took this photo over the weekend. These beans should be turning yellow and drying for harvest. So why aren't they? Because...the spring drought.Seeds need water to germinate. But after we planted we didn't have rain for weeks. So those seeds just sat in the dirt and never sprouted. Then, finally, it rained. And the tiny plants started popping up.The problem? It was several weeks too late for planting. The question is whether they'll be ready to harvest before the snow flies. We have shorter seasons in Michigan, so it'll be close.

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thefarmersdaughterusa

I'm Amanda. My family farms corn and soybeans in Southwest Michigan. I'm an attorney by day, and "agvocate" at night.

Amanda Zaluckyj
Green soybeans as far as the eye can see. I took Green soybeans as far as the eye can see. 

I took this photo over the weekend. These beans should be turning yellow and drying for harvest. So why aren't they? Because...the spring drought.

Seeds need water to germinate. But after we planted we didn't have rain for weeks. So those seeds just sat in the dirt and never sprouted. Then, finally, it rained. And the tiny plants started popping up.

The problem? It was several weeks too late for planting. The question is whether they'll be ready to harvest before the snow flies. We have shorter seasons in Michigan, so it'll be close.
Sunsets on the #farm are the best. 😍 Sunsets on the #farm are the best. 😍
💜💜 💜💜
Don't let anyone make you feel bad about not purch Don't let anyone make you feel bad about not purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables. It all counts.

#modernagriculture #foodproduction #usfarmers #usagriculture #usfarms #food #knowyourfarmer #knowyourfood #modernag #farms #sustainableagriclture #sustainablefarming
I visited one of my favorite local farm stands ove I visited one of my favorite local farm stands over the weekend. I thought I'd buy a couple zucchini and cantaloupe. But the zucchini looked more like clubs, and the cantaloupe was too ripe for my taste. So I passed on those and bought some tomatoes that maybe cost more than I would have preferred.

But you know what I didn't do? I didn't complain about the zucchinis' size. I didn't fuss about the melons' ripeness. I didn't criticize the tomatoes' price. Instead, I smiled at the lovely lady and made small talk as I paid and went about my day. 

Why? Because I remember what it was like being out by the side of the road hot day after hot day. I know that we all poured everything we had into that produce. I remember how defeating it felt when some criticized it. I know that the price is probably around market value, even if it's cheaper in the grocery store. And I know that the farm family behind that cash register is giving everything they have to chase a dream.

I won't be the one to rain on their parade. 

#Respect
Happy #nationaldogday from Mischa! #nationaldogda Happy #nationaldogday from Mischa!

#nationaldogday🐶 
#pittiemix 
#blacklab 
#mischa
Mischa and I are home on the farm for the weekend. Mischa and I are home on the farm for the weekend. And we're loving it.
It isn't one or the other. Farmers care about all It isn't one or the other. Farmers care about all of it.

#agriculture #farming #sustainablefarming #sustainability
I threw a birthday party for Mischa! It was over t I threw a birthday party for Mischa! It was over the top and wonderful. And she had so much fun surrounded by people that love her. 💕

Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate my little love. 💜
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