Dr Barbara Olioso's Blog

Organic Certification, time for analysis

The American Organic Consumers Association has recently published the report on the chemical investigation performed on 100 organic products certified by the USDA. The results showed 47 out of 100 products were positive for 1,4 dioxane, despite the organic certification.
This shows how organic rules and standards need to be implemented with chemical analysis to ensure the absence of synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilisers residues.
To know more about the report click here or you can listen to the interview with the Organic Consumers directors on here

Somerset Organic Spelt - Air miles and Price

I have just been at the Health food shop and come across this fantastic organic Spelt flour:
it is one of the oldest cereals known to man, therefore not modified as its modern wheat descendants
it is easier to digest, suitable for people with wheat intolerance
it has higher protein content and it is rich in Riboflavin (vitamin B2) and Niacin (vitamin B3)
The spelt is grown in Sharpham Park near Glastonbury and it is milled in Wookey, less than 10 miles away. This is such a good example of sustainable food! The downside? £ 3.80 for 1.5 Kg
Any opinions welcome!