Is Organic Better? Ask a Fruit Fly

[ljm2002]

54. The experiment in question...

...is organic vs. non-organic produce. The insecticides that were used on the non-organic produce are not identified. The experiment is suggestive and invites further research. It was never intended to delve into any specific model of the action (or not) of pesticides used in non-organic produce.

What it does show is, there IS a difference between organic and non-organic produce, and that difference can be demonstrated in at least one organism, namely the fruit fly.

We are told daily that there is NO difference between organic and non-organic produce. Most recently there were news stories about the relative nutritional merits of organic vs. non-organic fruits and vegetables, where they were deemed equivalent. But the issue of potentially harmful chemicals that might be present in non-organic items was not addressed, giving the impression that there was no difference between them at all.

As for the insecticides that are "designed to be toxic to insects but not to humans", I'm sure they are indeed LESS toxic to humans. On the other hand, I've never seen a label on an insecticide of any kind that does not advise humans to avoid ingesting it. Yes, yes, I know: concentrated amounts vs. trace amounts, etc. Of course. It won't kill you, certainly not the amount you'll get by eating one apple. But there are potentially cumulative effects.

Anyway: the study is suggestive. It doesn't tell us how this plays out in humans. But it does show is there is a difference, and that is an important piece of information.