Organic . . . or not

Heather Fenimore is convinced organic food is the best choice for her family. Fenimore, a Manheim Township social-services worker, first dabbled in organics more than 20 years ago, as a college student. Motherhood intensified her desire to protect the environment and her new family's health. Organic produce, milk and eggs became staples on her shopping list. So Fenimore was appalled when she saw the list of chemicals, pesticides and other synthetic materials–the very substances she's trying to avoid–that are completely legal in organic-food production. "As informed as I thought I was, I was shocked by the clearly toxic chemicals in so-called 'organic' food," Fenimore said. "I can't pronounce them."