Organic milk

A glass of milk.

Organic milk is defined by the USDA as milk from cows that have been exclusively fed organic feed, have not been treated with synthetic hormones, are not given certain medications to treat sickness. [Citation Needed]

Comparison with regular milk

According to the Organic Consumers Association, organic milk is produced without synthetic chemicals, hormones or antibiotics.^[1] Dairy industry sources claim that there is no difference in terms of quality and safety between regular milk and organic milk,^[2] and a Monsanto study concluded that both types of milk contain the same nutrients.^[3] Organic milk proponents argue that these studies did not look at the additional health impacts of herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides, and hormones that are used in the production of non-organic milk, and that these chemicals have been shown to increase the risk of eczema, other allergies, and cancers.^[4] Some academic studies have found that organically produced food and organic milk in particular, tends to contain significantly higher levels of nutrients generally held to be healthy.^[5][6][7]

Shelf life

Milk may be processed with ultra-high-temperature (UHT) used to prolong its shelf life. In some regions with low demand for fresh organic produce, organic milk may only be available in this form.^{[citation needed]}

See also

• Natural foods
• Organic food
• Organic farming
• Organic movement
• Sustainable agriculture

References

1. ^ "Seven Reasons Why Kids Should Drink Organic Milk.". Organic Consumer Association. http://www.organicconsumers.org/organic/seven052505.cfm. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
2. ^ "Organic Milk FAQ". National Dairy Council. http://www.nationaldairycouncil.org/NationalDairyCouncil/Nutrition/Products/Organic+Milk+FAQ+HTML.htm. Retrieved 2009-10-19. ^{[dead link]}
3. ^ Vicini J. et al. (Monsanto Company LC) Survey of retail milk composition as affected by label claims regarding farm-management practices. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2008;108:1198-1203.
4. ^ http://www.organicmilk.co.uk/index.cfm/e/benefits.health
5. ^ "Why is organic milk healthier?". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2006/aug/31/ethicalliving.lifeandhealth. Retrieved 2010-10-20. 
6. ^ "Official: organic really is better". The Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article2753446.ece. Retrieved 2010-10-20. 
7. ^ Fatty acid and fat-soluble antioxidant concentrations in milk from high- and low-input conventional and organic systems: seasonal variation. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. doi:10.1002/jsfa.3235.