Don't Let Organic Food Packaging Fool You!

Perhaps, the mainstream media and more consumers are becoming a bit more aware, as you are, that slapping an organic label on just about any food product you find in a grocery store is likely to be an eye-catcher, but doesn't magically transform it -- think an organic version of Rice Krispies -- into a healthier one.

Take, for example, friendly animals displaying human traits, like the cows on cartons of Horizon Organic Milk dancing a jig, even though the milk is pasteurized and some organic experts argue Horizon cows don't see much pasture ... or packaging with the word NATURAL in bold letters, promoting a false sense of safety where none really exists.

Some advertising experts believe the organic trend may be coming to an end very soon, especially with the wake-up call of products like NATURAL Cheetos hitting grocery store shelves.

Others predict the greenwashing trend may linger for up to five years before consumers begin to demand to know more about the food products they buy.

Always remember, just because someone slaps an organic label on a food product, that label does not somehow magically transform a junk food into a health food. Organic sugar and processed foods are every bit as pernicious to your health as conventional sugar and processed foods.

Your best option to protect your health and pocketbook: Find whole food sources near you.

On Vital Votes, biochemist Dr. Russ Bianchi from Soquel, California weighs in with this advice:

"My suggestion is start bombarding the US Federal Trade Commission with demands for enforcement for deceptive advertising ... Also the US Bureau Weights & Standards tends to be very aggressive on deceptive packaging in size versus quantity (weight vs. volume) and some false or deceptive claims.

"Do not forget each of your local Consumer Fraud Units in each of your county District Attorney's offices, really like to hear about these slick, or deceptive, practices, because they can fine the offenders without adjudication, in many cases, in court.

"Civil litigation, State Attorney General's Offices, or class action lawsuits, have been known also to have offenders immediately change their ways, and typically settle out of court for financial penalties to keep their insurance coverages."

Other responses to this article can be viewed at Vital Votes, and you can add your own thoughts or vote on comments by first registering at Vital Votes.