Scientists have been searching if there is any difference between organic foods and conventional one. Are organic foods more richer in nutrition than conventional foods or are they include more harmful substances? Why people demand organic foods too much?

Organic agriculture, in which hormones, pesticides, artificial fertilizer don’t use,  is an agricultural method under control. The environment of the organic foods have to be very clean and natural fertilizers have to be used in organic agriculture.

There are two opinions about organic foods. First one is “Organic foods are healthier than conventional foods.” That is why the organic food production in all over the world has been increasing day by day.  The second opinion is “There is not appreciable difference between organic foods and conventional foods. The reasons of this, organic foods are grown in insufficient nutrition medium; they are unresistant to illness; they include less protein, carbohydrate and vitamin so the seconder metabolite amount increase related to plant defence. The seconder metabolites are harmful for human health.”

The results of the studies on cereals showed that there are same amount of minerals and vitamin B in both organic and conventional foods. Studies also showed that protein amounts of organic wheat and rye are higher than conventional ones. This is undesirable for wheat flour which is used in bread making. But vitamin C, potassium and phosphor content of organic products are higher.

The results of the studies on fruits and vegetables showed that conventional and organic ones include the same amount of A, B1 and B2 vitamins. But vitamin C content of the organic foods are higher.

Researches claimed that conventional and organic milk and milk products include same amount of nutrition. But it was determined that pesticides called “hydro carbon” are less in organic products.

Organic eggs include more protein and carotene and they include higher weight and bigger yolk.

If we consider these results, generally there are not big nutritional differences between organic and conventional foods but organic foods have more nutrition in some cases.

Bacillus cereus exist in soil and several plants. Especially rice, pasta, cream and puddings are sources of the B. cereus. But the main sources of the bacterium are improperly reheated rice meals. It  is spor-former bacteria and causes several illness such as keratitis.

Bacillus cereus Protection

• Dry foods such as cereal and legume must be stored in dry conditions.
• Rice include meals must be consumed immediately.
• If rice include meals are reheated, it must be only one time.
• The cooking temperature of the meals must be above 65ºC which is the minimum killing temperature of the B. cereus.

Although it has several disadvantage, there are some positive opinions about Genetically Modified Foods. These are;

• More efficient varieties are obtained.
• Product cost decrease due to high efficiency.
• There is chance to enhance the product nutritionally and obtain the product with desirable food additives. Genetically Modified Foods are more alimentative.
• By loading vaccine, cheaper method is provided to ill treatment.
• Stubborn products can be obtained even in unsuitable and difficult conditi.
• Genetically Modified Foods resist to insects and weeds.
• Genetically Modified Foods have more stability and more shelf life.