Wow! I love a healthy discussion! (Pun intended! ) Kerri, Funny you should mention about not all organics actually being organic, I'll get there in a minute.

As far as journal articles as a basis, I'll admit, I haven't done much homework. The only thing I have to draw on is personal experience in a rural farming area, a fairly good knowledge of science, both mixed in with my business degree. You are right, contamination can happen to any food at any time, organic or not. And after reading some information from the National Organic Program of the USDA, I feel I have a little better understanding of the use of the term organic. But, as with anything else, it all comes down to if the fertilizers used are handled properly and if the produce is then handled properly. Since nonorganic farmers tend to use more synthetic or processed fertilizers, there is less of a risk of contamination from those fertilizers than with organic ones that have hopefully been properly composted or otherwise sanitized. I did read the article you sited by the looney guy that misquoted the CDC and appears to be trying to single handedly take down the organic movement. I agree, he is totally nutty.

Here is my opinion on healthy eating and food in general, take it as you wish. I think that many people get very hung up on if something is organic or not and lose sight of the importance of balanced nutrition. If asked to rank the importance of organic verses sugar content, whole grain/whole foods, hydrogenated oils, and preservatives, truthfully organic would be at the bottom of my list. I truely believe that the most important thing is to get plenty, and I mean A LOT, of fresh vegetables and fruits that are as whole and unprocessed as possible. Then, make sure that what you do eat that is cooked or processed has as few ingredients as possible with no or very little processed sugars and hydrogenated oils. Whole grains can save the world! Then, if you can get organics and it is close in cost, go for it. But if you eat 10 lbs of organic potato chips that are processed 9 ways to Sunday, I don't feel you are getting anywhere.

We all have to remember that everyone associated with our food is in the business to make money. We would like to think they are all in it to better the earth and buy the world a Coke. But, even the companies that certify things organic are doing it to make money. So, one must also be aware that if the USDA has difficulty regulating the meat industry well enough to reduce meat contamination, one can't expect them to suddenly be able to run organics like a well oiled machine. Those who can buy locally and see where it comes from, I think that is the only way to buy organic. And it is much better for the environment than flying in organics from South America. Just remember that just because it says organic, don't get your heart broken when you find out that it may be compromised. Even the NOP that I read states that farms with less than $5,000 annual income can use the term organic without being certified by them. They can be audited, but I wonder how many are.

Bottom line, eat whole foods. Period. (Wow, it looks like I just posted War & Peace!)