Organic-foods article misleading

To the editor:Recently, one of the Southeast Missourian's publications had an article about organic foods that was full of misleading information concerning organics, and information from sources was not accurately reported. This does a disservice to not only local organic farmers, but to consumers.

There have been a number of scientific studies on the benefits of organic foods, including, most recently, a 10-year study at the University of California about antioxidant activity of organic tomatoes versus conventionally grown tomatoes. In this study researchers found that the antioxidant activity of organic tomatoes is significantly higher than that of conventionally grown tomatoes.

In a study conducted at the University of Washington, researchers found that children who eat organic foods have a lower concentration of organophosphorous pesticides in their bodies than children who eat mostly conventionally grown foods. These organophosphorous pesticides are developmental neurotoxins and are the top class of pesticides targeted by the EPA for regulatory action because of their threat to children's health.

In the recent outbreak of E. coli that was linked to tainted spinach, none of the cases reported was from organic spinach. Organic farmers must comply with strict guidelines for safe and hygienic production practices.

The article sourced www.howstuffworks.com. This Web site actually contains some good information about organics. Unlike the article, the Web site contains information that is fair and balanced.

MIKE and BECKY BROWN, Natural Health Organic Foods, Cape Girardeau