Chicken: Organic or No?

There are many tops on buying organic. Primarily, what items should I buy that are organic and what is a big waist of money? When it comes to chicken, here are the arguments from the Food-Safety Experts and Dietitians.

Food Safety-Experts say:
(1) The Organic Label Guarantees Certain Standards: Organic chicken growers are legally prohibited from using sewage sludge as fertilizer, synthetic chemicals not approved by the National Organic Program of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) (any plant, animal or microorganism that has been altered through genetic engineering - in the production process. Chickens labeled as natural on the other hand, don't necessarily meet those standards.

(2) Buying Organic may Help Prevent the Spread of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria: When you crowd chickens together indoors, the way conventional growers do, they're more likely to produce infectious bacteria, which is why non-organic chickens are fed antibiotics as a norm. Food Safety experts think this causes a drug-resistant strain of bacteria, that are normally killed by the heat of cooking, but can be spread by people who work with the birds. "USDA Organic" chickens are allowed access to the outdoors; they are given antibiotics only to prevent pain or death, after which they are no longer considered organic.

(3) Organic is Healthier: One study found that organic chicken contained 38 percent more heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Eating organic chicken may also lower your food-poisoning risk. In a 2010 study, fewer than 6% of organic birds were infected with salmonella, compared with almost 39 percent of conventional ones.

The Dietitian Says: 
(1) There is no Major Nutritional Difference: While some studies do show that organic chicken has more Omega-3 Fatty Acids, chicken is low in fat to start with, so you're not getting much either way. Beyond that, conventional and organic will give you the same nutritional product - both are good sources of protein.

(2) Organic may Contain Less Salt and Other Additives: Many conventional and even natural chickens - but not organic ones - are injected with water, salt and preservatives to add moisture and boost flavor. Check the ingredients label for salt or other additives. The upshot is higher in sodium.

(3) There are other foods worthier of your organic dollar:  If you can't afford to buy everything organic, buy fruits or veggies like apples, peaches, spinach, strawberries and sweet bell peppers, which often have the highest pesticide residue.

When it comes to buying organic, stick to buying it if you can afford it. But at the end of the day, it's not going to hurt you to buy what you've been buying, and what the rest of the world has been buying for decades. Just remember to wash your fruit and veggies before you eat them, as well are your meats and poultry. It's very important to rinse off ALL your foods before you eat them.

Health Magazine has some advise for you! Based on nutrition alone, organic chicken isn't worth the extra money, but it is if you are WORRIED about food poisoning,  GMOs, or how the chicken was raised. To make sure any kind of bird is safe to eat: Note whether it's plump (good) or dry (bad), and check to make sure it's not close to the 'sell by' date. Chicken is the most perishable meat, so when in doubt - sniff it - and throw it away if it smells off.