With the rising cases of cancer and other terminal and lifestyle diseases, awareness has grown exceedingly on organic farming and organic food. In Kenya particularly, we have been affected by food poisoning in maize by antitoxins both in stored grains and in processed flour. We have also received reports on all major local news outlets of cases of food poisoning by food stored with high amount of chemicals to preserve them.
Organic fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat are produced without the addition of synthetic chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, antibiotics, or hormones such as bovine growth hormone also known as rBGH, Its worth noting that rBGH has been banned in Europe and Canada. Major US companies have also gone rBGH free.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines on pesticides and food, pesticides nay hurt children by preventing absorption of vital nutrients essential for normal growth. These chemicals are particularly dangerous during critical periods of development when exposure to chemicals can permanently alter the way a human being’s biological system operates. Infants and toddlers are thought to be especially vulnerable to these health risks because their internal organs are still in the process of maturing. Also kids eat and drink more than adults in relation to their body weight, possibly magnifying their exposure pesticides and other chemicals. Research has linked pesticide exposure tin early life to some pediatric cancers, decreased cognitive functions and behavioral problems.
Making the decision to feed your baby pesticide free food may be easier said than done. Some organic products aren’t always available or cost effective. We have a list of a select “Dirty Dozen” and “The Clean Fifteen” to guide you in planning.