Would you believe that there was a time when a person could go to their neighborhood grocery store and be 100% sure that any item in the produce section was not only good for them, but also fresh and safe? A time when people would convert to vegetarianism just because they were against harming innocent animals for human consumption? So why do we have meats, fruits and vegetables segregated with a ‘certified organic’ label today? In recent years, consumers have taken a chance on everyday supermarkets buying their produce from farmers who may have one of the following challenges:
o Use of pesticides and other chemicals that could cause serious illness or even death in a human being
o Employ workers who do not use common hygiene practices
o The products may have been in contact with livestock that may have been sick at the time of preparation of the process.
o Cattle injected with hormones and other chemicals that make them bigger but can be unhealthy from prolonged consumption
Of course, this was out of the control of your local grocer, which is why many organic grocers or grocers have sprung up around the world over the past fifteen years, with more new stores opening faster than you can count. Here’s a short list why:
o Facilities typically adhere to strict cleaning procedures, which typically include routine cleaning of your equipment and space
o Organic supermarkets only sell certified organic products
o As many of us live longer, we are more likely to take care of ourselves with exercise and a healthy diet
The disadvantages of using an organic grocer are:
o Because of the time and care that goes into growing a presentable product for public sale, organic foods tend to command a higher price than regular, dairy, and meat products.
o Organic grocery stores are typically found in upscale suburban neighborhoods
o The shelf life was half the time (or less) of its chemically induced version.
Now, some organic co-ops can be found at farmers’ markets, small stores, or in association with a grocery store. However, they still had their location limitations, such as hours of operation, membership dues, and in cases where members could also own property; There may be differences of opinion that way be the death of a smooth operation.
Slowly, major supermarket chains and convenience stores have jumped on the organic bandwagon, even in urban areas. There are even some little-known programs for low-income people to eat organically. The separate space is used for cleaning, packing, and public display. Prices are still higher than non-organic meats and produce, but competitive compared to specialty stores. Within some of the larger markets, there are entire sections dedicated solely to organic foods and other items that may be recommended for those with dietary restrictions. It’s good to know that eventually, healthy eating options are as close as any commercial fast food outlet.