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Is organic better? Why eat organic? It’s expensive, so it must be good?

Organic crops are those grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Dairy products and meat that are organic refer to those that are fed organic food and the animals are not given antibiotics or hormone injections. Is organic really healthier and safer? How are scientific studies proving it?  As of yet, there is not enough data to conclude that eating organically helps prevent cancer or prevent relapse. Compared to conventional food, there is no evidence that organic food has higher nutritional values as well.

So, as for conventional food, is it properly guarded and tested to ensure that it is safe to sell in the market? Here’s a look at Singapore Food Agency’s processes to ensure food includes vegetables and fruits is safe for consumers.

• Permitted importers are strictly supervised by routine inspections, and officials may surprise them with spot checks.
• At the checkpoint and on the market, laboratory tests are performed to check for pesticide residues on the food.
• There are strict regulations and rules for local manufacturers and farmers who manufacture and use pesticides.

Is there anything else we can do on our part to minimize residue? The following are things you can do as a consumer:

• Rinse vegetables for 30seconds and then soak it for 15 minutes and then followed by a final rinse to remove unwanted pesticides residues on the vegetables.
• Rub the surface of fruits and vegetables and especially the hidden stem part while rinsing the fruits or vegetables.

On the other hand, for meat and dairy products, Singapore Food Agency assures citizens that all hormone-injected meat and products are not allowed to be imported into Singapore. In addition, only permitted antibiotics are administered to the animals to prevent disease and infection.

All in all, we should instead adhere to a well-balanced diet that contains more vegetables and fruits in order to be healthier.