Pesticide Versus Organically Grown Food - University of Arizona

Organic foods are defined as those foods that are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Pesticides are chemical or control agents made to kill insects, weeds and fungal pests that damage crops. In large amounts these have been found to cause different illnesses including cancer. Organic foods do not necessarily mean toxin-free, as plants produce their own natural toxins and these can contaminate organic products. Also, farmers can use natural pesticides, such as sulfur, nicotine and copper, which can also be found on the foods. Organically raised animals are those raised with organic feed and kept free from growth hormones and antibiotics.