“No pesticide residues; better taste; healthier for us and better for the environment”. These are the expectations stated most often by consumers regarding organically produced food. Instead of synthetic chemical sprays and quick-acting mineral fertilizers, organic farmers use natural methods of plant protection and organic fertilizers. Because of the different methods of production and processing, one can expect that there will be a difference in quality compared to conventionally produced foods.
Numerous studies have analysed the impact of organic production methods on product quality and drawn comparisons with products from conventional farming. It is difficult to generalize, however, on the basis of the results of individual studies on quality. This is because food quality is not just determined by the method of production, but also by the variety chosen, the location, the climate and post-harvest factors. Comparative reviews that collate and evaluate the results of several individual studies are therefore of particular value.
This dossier examines the various aspects of food quality, sets out the facts about the quality of organic produce and highlights how organic products differ from nonorganic products in terms of quality and safety.
In brief, the evidence shows:
More beneficial nutritional profile
In terms of desirable substances, organic products stand out as having higher levels of secondary plant compounds and vitamin C. In the case of milk and meat, the fatty acid profile is often better from a nutritional point of view. As regards carbohydrates and minerals, organic products are no different from conventional products. As regards undesirable substances such as nitrate and pesticide residues, organic products have a clear advantage. Other undesirable attributes can be influenced to some extent, but do not depend on the production method: mycotoxins, heavy metal content, environmental pollutants and contamination with pathological microorganisms.
Greater enjoyment
Organic vegetables and fruit tend to have a higher sensory quality. Alongside production method, other factors such as choice of variety, climate, soil characteristics and post-harvest management are also decisive.
Functional suitability – with scope for improvement
Organic products have better storage performance. However, in the case of organic wheat and potatoes, some technical challenges remain. Due to the lower protein content of organic wheat, bread-making methods need to be adapted. In the case of potatoes, functional suitability may be impaired by damage caused by disease and pests, and by difficulties arising in long-term storage.
Promising outlook for inner quality
Holistic methods are used in addition to the standard methods of analysis to arrive at a more comprehensive representation of quality. Both image-forming methods and fluorescence excitation spectroscopy enable a distinction to be made between coded samples from organic and conventional farming systems. Intensive research is currently under way to validate these methods.
More careful processing
Natural, authentic and retaining original qualities: the processing of organic products requires particular care. Regulations defining permitted processing methods and prohibiting the use of many additives and processing aids have resulted in the development of special formulas and the use of high-quality ingredients.
Sustainable process quality
Organic farming is more beneficial across a wide range of environmental aspects. This applies to biodiversity and landscape, soil, water, climate and air, and also to energy consumption. In short, organic is better for people, animals and the environment.
The production of this dossier was supported by Coop Naturaplan Fund, FQH (Food, Quality and Health), ITAB (Institut Technique de l’Agriculture Biologique), IFOAM, Bio Suisse and the Soil Association.
Further information
Contact person at FiBL: Franco Weibel, Gabriela Wyss und Thomas Alföldi
Quality and Safety of Organic Products – Food systems compared (Dossier No. 4)