Abstract
Confusion exists among consumers regarding the health benefits and safe usage of organic food. Published literature of organic food lacks homogeneity of toxicity and contamination. A methodical approach was used to explore and understand the status of various types of organic food and also compare them with conventionally grown food. Organic food was found nutritionally rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and sodium. Level of environmental contaminants like cadmium, nickel, lead, chromium and zinc was higher in organic food samples. Bacterial contamination risk was slightly higher in food cultivated by conventional farming as compared to organic food samples. Conventionally grown turmeric showed the presence of pesticides above the permissible limit of 0.1mg/kg. Organically grown food also showed traces of pesticide residues but were within the permissible limit. The present study agrees to the consumer perception that organic food is safe and healthy.
Keywords: Conventional food, contamination, heavy metal, microbial, organic food, pesticide.
Graphical Abstract
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