The Government's food watchdog, the Food Standards Agency, has rejected criticism of its study showing that eating organic food does not provide any significant health benefits.
Richard Alleyne, The Telegraph 8 Aug 09;
The FSA sparked a fierce debate last week after publishing an independent review which showed there were no important nutritional differences between organic and conventionally-produced food.
Dr Alan Dangour, who led the research team at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), even received hate mail.
But in an open letter on the FSA's website, chief executive Tim Smith hit back at critics, saying the study was "the most scientifically rigorous and independent review of research ever carried out in this area" and the agency had "complete confidence in the validity of the work carried out".
The study reviewed all papers published over the last 50 years relating to nutrient content and health differences between the two kinds of produce.
Mr Smith said the review was commissioned to ensure the FSA's position was up to date and "reflects the weight and balance of current scientific evidence".
The Soil Association was among the organisations which criticised the study for excluding work on the long-term effects of pesticides on human health.
But Mr Smith wrote: "Pesticides were specifically excluded from the scope of this work. This is because our position on the safety of pesticides is already clear: pesticides are rigorously assessed and their residues are closely monitored.
"Because of this the use of pesticides in either organic or conventional food production does not pose an unacceptable risk to human health and helps to ensure a plentiful supply of food all year round."
He added: "Irresponsible interpretation of the review by some has resulted in misleading claims being made concerning higher levels of some nutrients found in organic food."
Mr Smith said the message of the study was not that people should avoid organic food but that they should eat a healthy and balanced diet and that "in terms of nutrition, it doesn't matter if this is made up of organic or conventionally produced food".
Organic farming, which focuses on protecting wildlife and the environment, means no artificial chemical fertilisers are used, pesticide use is restricted and animals are expected to be free range.
It has become increasingly popular in recent years, with supermarkets offering organic options on many items.
The FSA says it supports consumer choice and is neither pro- nor anti-organic food.
