Organic Food |
1. Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too. |
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2. Of, relating to, yielding, or involving the use of food produced with the use of feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides <organic farming> <organic produce> |
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Baby Food |
1. Baby food is any food that is made specifically for infants, roughly between the ages of six months to two years. The food comes in many varieties, with different manufacturers and tastes. A common trait of the many different baby foods is that they are designed for ease of eating; either a soft, liquidy paste or an easily chewed food. This is due to the fact that infants lack teeth and experience in eating. |
Each baby is different: some may need food other than breast milk or infant formula sooner than others, and as there is no Baby Food Pyramid, it is hard to tell the nutritional requirements of any given baby. Babies typically move to consuming baby food once nursing or formula is not sufficient for the child's appetite. A baby usually starts to eat solid food once the child has enough teeth to adequately chew. |
It is often recommended to give a baby food at around 6 months of age, but babies differ greatly. Signs of readiness include the ability to sit without help and the display of active interest in food that others are eating. A baby may be started directly on normal family food if attention is given to choking hazards. Because breastmilk takes on the flavor of foods eaten by the mother, these foods are especially good choices. |
One may wish to introduce only one new food at a time, leaving a few days in between to notice any reactions that would indicate a food allergy or sensitivity. This way if a baby is unable to tolerate a certain food then it can be determined which food is causing the reaction. |
It has traditionally been common to start infants on solid food from 4+ months onwards - however current research and WHO/UNICEF "Baby Friendly" guidelines recommend only breastmilk until 6 months of age. Some adults consume baby food because they enjoy its taste. |
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