Since 2000, the demand for organically-grown food has steadily increased and has grown into a $30 billion dollar industry. However, unless you’re a farmer, how can you be sure that what you’re eating is indeed grass-fed and free of hormones and antibiotics?
Well, you can’t.
According to the FDA, an “organic” product is one made without irradiation, hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, or bio-engineering (tampering with its DNA). Organic products tend to have less chemical residues associated with pesticides and more nutritional value. That sounds pretty good, right?
What they don’t tell you is that an organic label does not guarantee a 100% organic product. In fact, only 95% of the product is required to be organic. An organic label also does not guarantee humane treatment of animals, their environment, or that the product is actually healthier for you than its non-organic counterpart.
Enter Lapka, a company that has developed a handy iPhone attachment to authenticate organic food. Food purists, rejoice.
Currently in its prototype stage, the device consists of sensors that collect data such as temperature, humidity, and radiation levels. It also contains a metal probe that is used to quantify a food product’s nitrate concentration, chemicals commonly found in fertilizers. Then, the data is analyzed to reveal how organic the food actually is.
The device is expected to be released in December 2012 and retail for $220.
Have you ever wondered if your organic food was really organic? Are you interested in getting one of these? Leave your comments below.
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