Benefits of Organic Milk?

A while back, I did some research into organic apples. After months of skepticism, I reached the conclusion that buying organic apples was worth extra effort it takes to find the best prices. Indeed, organic apples can be found for the same price as their non-organic counterparts, as long as you take the time to find them. This doesn't mean driving from one store to another. Thus far I have found, in three different markets, that the pricey organic apples take the main stage while the less expensive ones are hidden in the wings. Luckily for me, they all pretty much taste the same.

Many, or even most, of my friends buy organic milk and spend twice as much as I do to provide what they believe is the best possible choice for their families. Again, I am skeptical that this is necessary. From what I understand, organic dairy and meat products do not need to adhere to the same rigid guidelines as organic fruits and vegetables. Wearing my researcher's helmet, I chose to dive into the world of organic dairy and find out what all the fuss is about.

The first place I turned to in order to learn more about organic milk is the National Dairy Council. The National Dairy Council has no secret agenda as far as I can tell to promote one type of milk above the other. According to the National Dairy Council, all dairy is good. However, this document details the differences between organic and non-organic milk. If you don't feel like clicking on the link, I can sum it up: Organic milk is no more nutritious than regular milk. Regular milk has no more hormones or pesticides in it than organic milk. The main difference between the two is that organic milk is more expensive. The end.

Of course, I am not going to simply look at one page of information from one source and declare it the end of my research. I learned that pasture rule has only recently been put into effect. As of this past February, cows must be allowed to graze on grass for 1/3 of the year in order for their milk to be considered organic. Apparently, this is a big step up from cows simply having access to a pasture. This is supposed to be a big victory for proponents of organic farming because now the largest distributors of organic milk, who are corporate entities - not small farms, must change the way they feed their cattle, at least for four months, that is. But does this affect the quality of the milk itself? The answer, according to the FDA and the USDA, is probably not.

Furthermore, though the guidelines regarding the feeding of cows have been tightened, apparently the follow-up has not. According to an audit by the Inspector General, the process for detecting violations to organic practices is not followed and regular inspections are not taking place as they should. Furthermore, random inspections don't seem to happen at all. Organic milk is also often transported in tankers that are sanitized with the same substances as regular milk. This milk comes into direct contact with these unapproved chemicals regularly. What this means is, organic guidelines are in place, but whether they are followed is another issue. You can read the audit from the IG in its entirety here. Be warned: there are a lot of words.

It must be said that I stay away from blogs when I'm looking for actual information. Take a beat to enjoy the irony that I'm writing this in my own blog. However, I did look at a few blogs to compare the facts that are stated on each side of the equation. One organic eating blog that caught my eye told me that a study conducted at the University of Surrey found that organic milk contains more beneficial fatty acids. Of course, the blog failed to mention that the main findings of the study were that pregnant women who drink organic milk could be impeding the brain development of their unborn children (due to a lack of iodine). However, other studies have shown no issue with iodine and no reason for pregnant women to worry.

In the end, I have found no reason to switch to organic milk. I won't begrudge anyone else who decides to do so. However, for my family, traditional milk will suffice.