Health benefits of organic food, farming outlined in new report

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February 8, 2017 – A report prepared for the European Parliament, co-authored by Harvard Chan School’s Philippe Grandjean, adjunct professor of environmental health, outlines the health benefits of eating organic food and practicing organic agriculture.

European Parliament's Concerns: Stemming from worries about food safety and human health, the European Parliament commissioned a report to investigate the health benefits associated with organic food and farming.

Pesticide Residue: The report highlighted a crucial distinction between organic and conventional foods, emphasizing that organic produce is produced with minimal pesticide use, whereas conventional foods often retain pesticide residues even after washing.

Pesticide Dangers: Despite regulatory assurances based on animal studies, the report stressed the potential harm pesticides pose to human brain development, citing long-term studies in the U.S. linking prenatal pesticide exposure to adverse effects on children's IQ, neurobehavioral development, and ADHD diagnoses.

Precautionary Measures: Advised pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those planning pregnancies, to consider consuming organic foods as a precautionary measure due to potential irreversible consequences for children's health. It recommended strategies such as buying organic or selectively peeling produce to reduce pesticide exposure.

Antibiotic Resistance: Highlighted the overuse of antibiotics in conventional farming as a contributor to antibiotic resistance. Organic farming practices, limited antibiotic use, and improved animal living conditions were noted for their positive impact on animal health and resistance prevention.

Policy Recommendations: Proposed policy measures for the European Parliament included tax reductions for organic food and farmers, increased research funding, and support for organic food production to encourage sustainable agricultural practices.

Global Impact and Influence: Anticipated that favorable policies in the European Union could potentially influence similar changes in the U.S., promoting economic and environmental sustainability in organic farming practices across both regions.

Much more info from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/