Organic labels merit a taste: "The government seems to warn us about everything these days, and wine is no exception. I've already written my opinion about the "Contains sulfites" hoo-ha.
I think the government warning label should read something like this: 'Do not consume too much, too often, in the morning, at work, in the hot tub or while driving. Do not drink if you're on a first date, if you're pregnant or if you're both. Do not drink if you're prone to substance abuse or if you're an airline pilot. And if you're the captain of a supertanker, lay off the Port until you're in one. By all means don't drink if you're prone to doing stupid things like taunting a raging bull, running naked through the streets or going hunting with your buddies.'
Now, one of the things you will find on a wine bottle label that makes sense is an organic designation. Organic farming and winemaking are practiced by people who care: They care about the taste, they care about their workers and they care about the environment.
Be sure to note that many of the wines in California source grapes come from organically farmed vineyards but aren't labeled as such because in the past organic wines tucked back on store shelves with the kosher and the non-alcoholic selections. This is changing rapidly as the organic revolution continues its march. Spread a little sunshine of your own and drink organic. All wines reviewed were purchased at Wild Oats. Find Valley locations at www.wildoats.com.
2004 BuenaVentura Sauvignon Blanc, Lontue Valley, Chile ($13.99, not pictured) - This is another low alcohol (12.5 percent) wine recommendation for 2007. It's made with organic grapes, and the color is a superpale platinum yellow. The aroma is a little gun-smoky with melon and an herbal touch to the finish. The taste is full, ripe and rich. The finish has enough tartness to please any Sauvignon Blanc lover. 84 points.
2004 Nuevomundo Sauvignon Blanc, Reserva, D.O. Isla de Maipo, Chile ($16.99) - Also made with organic grapes, this is almost colorless, a pale silver with the slightest hint of straw. The wine has a light ripe pineapple aroma, a little oxidized. It has a nice level of fruit concentration and tartness. 75 points.
2004 Badger Mountain N.S.A. Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Wash. ($14.99) - The blue bottle is weird. This is an organic wine, so it has no added sulfites. The color is a rich, golden, deeply-colored yellow. The aroma is focused and tight. The taste is very balanced, smooth, pleasant and delightfully rich. 88 points.
True Earth Chardonnay, Mendocino, Calif. ($13.49) - This wine is made with organic grapes, and the color is a dull dishwater-yellow. Nevertheless, the aroma is a steely focus of melon and citrus fruit, and the taste is bold and expressive, with a nice creamy richness in the finish. 89 points.
2004 Sonop Merlot, Western Cape, South Africa ($15.99) - This wine is proud to announce that it's vegan. It is a dark amber and ruby red, and the aroma is nice and bright with raspberries and earth tones. The taste is big, dry and bold. The fruit is way in the background, but if you like a simple "Right Bank" Bordeaux, you'll love this. 87 points.
2005 Badger Mountain N.S.A. Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Wash. ($19.49) - Again, no added sulfites. It's a kind of expensive number so it's too bad they had to use an old Blue Nun bottle. Inside, the color is vibrant ruby with a vermillion and purple hue. The aroma has some fruit somewhere, but I'm having a hard time identifying it except that it's on the ripe side of things. The taste is dry, with tight currant fruit. It's a sturdy wine, good for that next organic barbecued steak dinner. 86 points.
True Earth Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petite Syrah, Mendocino, California ($13.49, not pictured) - This wine is made with organic grapes. It's a lovely, deep royal red with a grippy, dry and earthy aroma. The taste is lovely and balanced, a restrained wine. I recommend it if you like dry European-style reds. 89 points.
2004 Nuevomundo Cabernet/Malbec, D.O. Isla de Maipo, Chile ($17.99) -This wine is made with organic grapes. The color is a stunning velvety-rich robe of deep red. The aroma is shy but confident with dark currant fruit and earthiness. The taste is very Bordeaux-like in that it's classic earth, wood and thick, dark-skinned currants. I like this. 90 points.
Another screw-top plus: Wineries that choose to seal the deal with screw caps use less sulfur to stabilize the wines."
Reach Tarbell, owner of Tarbell's restaurant in Phoenix, at wine@tarbells.com.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Sunday, February 18, 2007
YouTube - Pesticides & Human Experimentation
YouTube - Pesticides & Human Experimentation
Please watch this and spread the word to your friends.
Tracy
~~~~
Please watch this and spread the word to your friends.
Tracy
~~~~
Organic milk supply seen spiking in 2007
Organic milk supply seen spiking in 2007: "The supply of organic milk is expected to spike in 2007 due to a one-year grace period on a federal rule change that mandates dairy farmers use 100 percent organic feed.
For years, farmers looking to move to organic milk have been able to feed cows 80 percent organic feed and 20 percent conventional feed in the year before they become certified as organic farmers -- an allowance that brought transition costs down since organic feed can be 40 to 50 percent more expensive.
But last June, the Department of Agriculture mandated that starting in one year, farmers would have to use 100 percent organic feed in that final transition year to become certified."
Interesting. So this means that the milk being called organic now is from cows whose feed was only 80% organic.
I'm glad at least to see this ruling getting stronger rather than weaker.
Tracy
~~~~~
Your stem cells would love to help you feel better, but they need some help getting around in there. Give them a fighting chance.
For years, farmers looking to move to organic milk have been able to feed cows 80 percent organic feed and 20 percent conventional feed in the year before they become certified as organic farmers -- an allowance that brought transition costs down since organic feed can be 40 to 50 percent more expensive.
But last June, the Department of Agriculture mandated that starting in one year, farmers would have to use 100 percent organic feed in that final transition year to become certified."
Interesting. So this means that the milk being called organic now is from cows whose feed was only 80% organic.
I'm glad at least to see this ruling getting stronger rather than weaker.
Tracy
~~~~~
Your stem cells would love to help you feel better, but they need some help getting around in there. Give them a fighting chance.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Can Food From Cloned Animals Be Called Organic? - washingtonpost.com
Can Food From Cloned Animals Be Called Organic? - washingtonpost.com
From the article:
"One of the principles of organic production is to encourage biodiversity," said Sligh, who was on the committee that drafted the organic rule in 2000. Without a doubt, Sligh said, the mass production of genetically identical critters runs counter to that.
How do you feel about eating cloned animals meat and drinking their milk? What if it was ok to call all of it organic? Does 'cloned organic meat' or 'cloned organic milk' sound appetizing to you?
Since the cloners are pretty smart, they will most likely drop this fight in order to not have to lable their products as "Made From Clones". If it is decided that organic means not from cloned animals then they can argue that, if people want to avoid cloned foods they can just go organic.
Another way for cloned food to end up on your dinner plate without your knowledge. Yum! Just like all of the genetically engineered foods everyone is eating without knowing it! The perfect pair!
From the article:
"One of the principles of organic production is to encourage biodiversity," said Sligh, who was on the committee that drafted the organic rule in 2000. Without a doubt, Sligh said, the mass production of genetically identical critters runs counter to that.
How do you feel about eating cloned animals meat and drinking their milk? What if it was ok to call all of it organic? Does 'cloned organic meat' or 'cloned organic milk' sound appetizing to you?
Since the cloners are pretty smart, they will most likely drop this fight in order to not have to lable their products as "Made From Clones". If it is decided that organic means not from cloned animals then they can argue that, if people want to avoid cloned foods they can just go organic.
Another way for cloned food to end up on your dinner plate without your knowledge. Yum! Just like all of the genetically engineered foods everyone is eating without knowing it! The perfect pair!
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Groups Protest Carbon Monoxide Use in Meat
Groups Protest Carbon Monoxide Use in Meat:
"Berdahl said Tuesday that carbon monoxide-treated meat could be left on the kitchen counter for five days and would still look bright red and fresh. Carbon monoxide 'also suppresses bad odors and the presence of slime, other telltale signs that meat is spoiled,' Kalsec's petition said.
The petition said treated meat could hide the growth of pathogens such as Clostridium botulinum, Salmonella and E. coli."
"Berdahl said Tuesday that carbon monoxide-treated meat could be left on the kitchen counter for five days and would still look bright red and fresh. Carbon monoxide 'also suppresses bad odors and the presence of slime, other telltale signs that meat is spoiled,' Kalsec's petition said.
The petition said treated meat could hide the growth of pathogens such as Clostridium botulinum, Salmonella and E. coli."
Chicago Tribune | City considers meat packaging ban
Chicago Tribune City considers meat packaging ban
Packs of rotted hamburger were dropped on a table before Chicago aldermen Thursday as evidence that new packaging techniques used by some meat processors can mislead consumers about food safety.The city may ban the relatively new practice of using carbon monoxide, a highly toxic gas, to make even rotten meat look fresh.The American Meat Institute, an industry group that opposes the ban, said the gas is used only to remove oxygen from packages and actually gives the consumer a better tasting product.
snip
Packs of rotted hamburger were dropped on a table before Chicago aldermen Thursday as evidence that new packaging techniques used by some meat processors can mislead consumers about food safety.The city may ban the relatively new practice of using carbon monoxide, a highly toxic gas, to make even rotten meat look fresh.The American Meat Institute, an industry group that opposes the ban, said the gas is used only to remove oxygen from packages and actually gives the consumer a better tasting product.
snip
Chicago Tribune | City considers meat packaging ban
Chicago Tribune City considers meat packaging ban
Packs of rotted hamburger were dropped on a table before Chicago aldermen Thursday as evidence that new packaging techniques used by some meat processors can mislead consumers about food safety.The city may ban the relatively new practice of using carbon monoxide, a highly toxic gas, to make even rotten meat look fresh.The American Meat Institute, an industry group that opposes the ban, said the gas is used only to remove oxygen from packages and actually gives the consumer a better tasting product.
snip
Packs of rotted hamburger were dropped on a table before Chicago aldermen Thursday as evidence that new packaging techniques used by some meat processors can mislead consumers about food safety.The city may ban the relatively new practice of using carbon monoxide, a highly toxic gas, to make even rotten meat look fresh.The American Meat Institute, an industry group that opposes the ban, said the gas is used only to remove oxygen from packages and actually gives the consumer a better tasting product.
snip
Saturday, March 25, 2006
cbs5.com - Wal-Mart Move To Organic Could Shake Retail World
cbs5.com - Wal-Mart Move To Organic Could Shake Retail World
This is very interesting. I'm wondering what impact this will have on Certified Organic Standards as more product suppliers want a piece of the ever-increasing organic pie. Will agricultural interests be successful in weakening them? Or will this bring more awareness, and more insistence on tight standards?
http://www.OrganicFoodsMom.com
This is very interesting. I'm wondering what impact this will have on Certified Organic Standards as more product suppliers want a piece of the ever-increasing organic pie. Will agricultural interests be successful in weakening them? Or will this bring more awareness, and more insistence on tight standards?
http://www.OrganicFoodsMom.com
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Kids Even More Vulnerable to Pesticides Than Previously Believed, Study Shows
Kids Even More Vulnerable to Pesticides Than Previously Believed, Study Shows: "'Children are born with lower levels of our bodies' natural defenses against toxic pesticides,' said Dr. Gina Solomon, M.D., a physician and senior scientist at NRDC. 'Unfortunately, the officials responsible for keeping kids safe are ignoring the clear scientific evidence confirming that we need stronger protection for the most vulnerable among us.'"
snip
EPA banned chlorpyrifos and diazinon for household use in December 2001 and December 2002 respectively, largely due to their hazards to children, but allowed continued use on agricultural crops. More than 1.5 million pounds of chlorpyrifos were used in California in 2003. The top uses were on cotton, alfalfa, almonds and walnuts. More than 500,000 pounds of diazinon were used in California in 2003, mostly on lettuce, peaches, almonds, prunes and spinach. Nationwide, the organophosphate pesticides account for 70 percent of all insecticides used, with 73 million pounds sold in 2001
Vist Organic-Foods-Mom.com for more information on why organic foods are better for kids!
snip
EPA banned chlorpyrifos and diazinon for household use in December 2001 and December 2002 respectively, largely due to their hazards to children, but allowed continued use on agricultural crops. More than 1.5 million pounds of chlorpyrifos were used in California in 2003. The top uses were on cotton, alfalfa, almonds and walnuts. More than 500,000 pounds of diazinon were used in California in 2003, mostly on lettuce, peaches, almonds, prunes and spinach. Nationwide, the organophosphate pesticides account for 70 percent of all insecticides used, with 73 million pounds sold in 2001
Vist Organic-Foods-Mom.com for more information on why organic foods are better for kids!
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
GE rice found in Heinz baby cereal in China: Greenpeace+
GE rice found in Heinz baby cereal in China: Greenpeace+
"The result is truly shocking," Fung said. "This is the first time that illegal GE rice ingredients have been found in baby food products, a category that should be subject to the most stringent control."Selling GE food is illegal in China, which put into force the U.N. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in September last year. The protocol regulates international trade, handling and use of GE organisms.
"The result is truly shocking," Fung said. "This is the first time that illegal GE rice ingredients have been found in baby food products, a category that should be subject to the most stringent control."Selling GE food is illegal in China, which put into force the U.N. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in September last year. The protocol regulates international trade, handling and use of GE organisms.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
U.S.'s DESPERATE EFFORTS UNLIKELY TO SUCCEED IN FORCING GM FOOD ACCEPTANCE
GMWatch.org
People say "No" as WTO decision expected (6/2/2006)
Very good press release with multiple links at end to polls around the world that demonstrate that people do not want GM crops and foods and that even in the US the great majority want the choice through mandatory labelling.
WTO GMO decision expected tomorrow: Evidence shows the US's desperate efforts unlikely to succeed in forcing GM food acceptanceGeneWatch UK Press ReleaseMonday 6th February 2006 - for immediate release
Today, GeneWatch UK is publishing a summary of public attitudes research from around the world that has been collected since the WTO GMO dispute began in 2003. It shows public hostility to GM crops remains widespread and indicates that the tactics of the US and biotechnology industry are unlikely to succeed in opening markets for GM [1]. The opinion poll and research findings come from a wide spread of countries, including South Africa, China, Japan, Mali, Canada and Europe. They demonstrate that people remain unconvinced about GM crops and foods and, even in the US, the great majority want the choice through mandatory labelling.
People say "No" as WTO decision expected (6/2/2006)
Very good press release with multiple links at end to polls around the world that demonstrate that people do not want GM crops and foods and that even in the US the great majority want the choice through mandatory labelling.
WTO GMO decision expected tomorrow: Evidence shows the US's desperate efforts unlikely to succeed in forcing GM food acceptanceGeneWatch UK Press ReleaseMonday 6th February 2006 - for immediate release
Today, GeneWatch UK is publishing a summary of public attitudes research from around the world that has been collected since the WTO GMO dispute began in 2003. It shows public hostility to GM crops remains widespread and indicates that the tactics of the US and biotechnology industry are unlikely to succeed in opening markets for GM [1]. The opinion poll and research findings come from a wide spread of countries, including South Africa, China, Japan, Mali, Canada and Europe. They demonstrate that people remain unconvinced about GM crops and foods and, even in the US, the great majority want the choice through mandatory labelling.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
The Center for Food Safety - Genetically Engineered Food
The Center for Food Safety - Genetically Engineered Food: "Currently, up to 45 percent of U.S. corn is genetically engineered as is 85 percent of soybeans. It has been estimated that 70-75 percent of processed foods on supermarket shelves--from soda to soup, crackers to condiments--contain genetically engineered ingredients. "
You won't be able to tell from the labels though. The U.S. has no requirement that genetically modified food ingredients be listed on foods. It hasn't been safety tessted, either. If this pisses you off, too, please make your voice heard by filling out this short form to let the FDA know you want testing and labeling of GE food: http://ga3.org/campaign/labelandtestgefood
You won't be able to tell from the labels though. The U.S. has no requirement that genetically modified food ingredients be listed on foods. It hasn't been safety tessted, either. If this pisses you off, too, please make your voice heard by filling out this short form to let the FDA know you want testing and labeling of GE food: http://ga3.org/campaign/labelandtestgefood
Monday, February 06, 2006
New Rules Govern Use of Data From Testing Pesticides on People
New Rules Govern Use of Data From Testing Pesticides on People: "Erik D. Olson, a senior attorney at the advocacy group Natural Resources Defense Council, said the new rules may lead to more pesticide testing on people because they will allow manufacturers to conduct 'observational tests' that monitor individuals' everyday exposure to toxic chemicals.
'We're going to have weaker public health protections, more pesticides on people's foods, and a huge increase in the number of unethical and unscientific studies using human beings as guinea pigs,' Olson said."
'We're going to have weaker public health protections, more pesticides on people's foods, and a huge increase in the number of unethical and unscientific studies using human beings as guinea pigs,' Olson said."
Friday, January 27, 2006
Japan Beef Ban Prompts U.S. Probe - Yahoo! News
Japan Beef Ban Prompts U.S. Probe - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said Friday the U.S. government is investigating a shipment of American beef to Japan that may have contained material considered at risk for mad cow disease, a discovery that prompted Japan to announce another halt to beef imports.
Johanns ordered several actions intended to reassure the Japanese.
'We take this matter very seriously,' the secretary said in a statement. 'We are in communication with Japanese officials and we will continue that dialogue to assure them that we take this matter very seriously and we are acting swiftly and firmly.'
Johanns said the plant that exported the meat in question is now barred from shipping more beef to Japan. He also said the government inspector who cleared the shipment may be disciplined, and that Agriculture Department investigators are being dispatched to Japan."
Sure they won't let that plant ship any more meat to Japan. But selling it in the U.S? Apparently that's just fine!
Solution? If you must eat beef, find a local farm and buy it from them. Locate a local farm here http://www.eatwild.com/products/index.html CA,too
Or try here: http://www.newfarm.org/farmlocator/index.php
Johanns ordered several actions intended to reassure the Japanese.
'We take this matter very seriously,' the secretary said in a statement. 'We are in communication with Japanese officials and we will continue that dialogue to assure them that we take this matter very seriously and we are acting swiftly and firmly.'
Johanns said the plant that exported the meat in question is now barred from shipping more beef to Japan. He also said the government inspector who cleared the shipment may be disciplined, and that Agriculture Department investigators are being dispatched to Japan."
Sure they won't let that plant ship any more meat to Japan. But selling it in the U.S? Apparently that's just fine!
Solution? If you must eat beef, find a local farm and buy it from them. Locate a local farm here http://www.eatwild.com/products/index.html CA,too
Or try here: http://www.newfarm.org/farmlocator/index.php
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Kellogg to face lawsuit over �junk food� ads to kids
Kellogg to face lawsuit over �junk food� ads to kids:
"�Nickelodeon and Kellogg engage in business practices that literally sicken our children. Their marketing tactics are designed to convince kids that everything they hear from their parents about food is wrong. It's a multimedia brainwashing and re-education campaign- and a disease-promoting one at that. And parents are fed up.� said CSPI executive director Michael Jacobson. "
"�Nickelodeon and Kellogg engage in business practices that literally sicken our children. Their marketing tactics are designed to convince kids that everything they hear from their parents about food is wrong. It's a multimedia brainwashing and re-education campaign- and a disease-promoting one at that. And parents are fed up.� said CSPI executive director Michael Jacobson. "
Thursday, January 12, 2006
New Scientist News - Doomsday vault to avert world famine
This isn't exactly about organic foods, but interesting. I wonder if they are including any genetically modified seeds in any of the seed vaults? Seems like leaving them out would be a good idea to me.
New Scientist News - Doomsday vault to avert world famine
New Scientist News - Doomsday vault to avert world famine
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Combining food additives could harm nervous system, study
Combining food additives could harm nervous system, study: "
21/12/2005 - The combination of common food additives could interfere with the development of the nervous system, raising new concerns about the health implications of children’s diets, according to a new report published today.
21/12/2005 - The combination of common food additives could interfere with the development of the nervous system, raising new concerns about the health implications of children’s diets, according to a new report published today.
Monday, January 02, 2006
United Press International - NewsTrack - Demand rising for healthy, natural food
United Press International - NewsTrack - Demand rising for healthy, natural food:
"The move to 'real' food has legs and will be around for quite a while,' Marc Halperin, director of the Center for Culinary Development in San Francisco, where major food companies turn for trends, told the New York Times"
"The move to 'real' food has legs and will be around for quite a while,' Marc Halperin, director of the Center for Culinary Development in San Francisco, where major food companies turn for trends, told the New York Times"
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
2005 had its share of changes in the food industry
2005 had its share of changes in the food industry:
"COOL, or country of origin labeling, became mandatory at seafood counters. The mandate gives consumers at-a-glance information about imported and domestic sources as well as whether fish has been 'previously frozen' or has 'color added.' The information includes whether the fish is wild-caught or farm-raised.
COOL is scheduled to apply to all produce in 2006."
"COOL, or country of origin labeling, became mandatory at seafood counters. The mandate gives consumers at-a-glance information about imported and domestic sources as well as whether fish has been 'previously frozen' or has 'color added.' The information includes whether the fish is wild-caught or farm-raised.
COOL is scheduled to apply to all produce in 2006."
Organic Valley Culminates 2005 with Launch of 'Generation Organic'
Organic Valley Culminates 2005 with Launch of 'Generation Organic': "Commits to Save the American Family Farmer, an Endangered Species
Sets Sales Record of $245 Million
LAFARGE, Wis., Dec. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- 'Generation Organic,' a campaign to
save the family farmer from extinction by bringing new farmers into organic
agriculture, was announced today by Organic Valley Family of Farms, America's
largest cooperative of organic farmers and one of the country's leading
national organic brands.
'Generation Organic is the 'Endangered Species Protection Act' for the
American family farmer. U.S. farmers have disappeared from the land at the
rate of "
Sets Sales Record of $245 Million
LAFARGE, Wis., Dec. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- 'Generation Organic,' a campaign to
save the family farmer from extinction by bringing new farmers into organic
agriculture, was announced today by Organic Valley Family of Farms, America's
largest cooperative of organic farmers and one of the country's leading
national organic brands.
'Generation Organic is the 'Endangered Species Protection Act' for the
American family farmer. U.S. farmers have disappeared from the land at the
rate of "
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