Food Standards Agency defends organic study

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is standing its ground after its recent study found no significant nutritional differences between organic and conventionally produced food.

In an open letter, chief executive of the FSA, Tim Smith said: "The Food Standards Agency would like to set the record straight, following publication of the study last week that compared the nutrient content of organic food with conventionally produced food. 

"This review was commissioned by us to ensure that our position on organic food is up to date and reflects the weight and balance of current scientific evidence. This research had also been called for by the organic sector to review emerging research in this area.

"This independent study was carried out by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and is the most scientifically rigorous and independent review of research ever carried out in this area. The report was extensively peer reviewed before publication by leading scientists in this field and, furthermore, was published by a leading nutrition journal.

"The Agency has complete confidence in the validity of the work carried out by the LSHTM. It is an absolute principle that all our published advice is derived in this transparent way. Irresponsible interpretation of the review by some has resulted in misleading claims being made concerning higher levels of some nutrients found in organic food."

Smith added that consumers should not actively avoid organic food but that a healthy, balanced diet is the main thing.

Words: Clare Riley

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