Organic food could probably be inorganic for your body. Yes, you read it right. While most people swear by organic food to keep themselves healthy and even propagate its consumption for better health, it comes with potential risks to gut health — a fact not many know.

Even a recent study suggests as much. According to a new study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating food produced without toxic pesticides, artificial fertilisers or genetically altered organisms reduces the risk of health disorders such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. But the global adoption of organic food has resulted in a parallel problem: an increase in gut bacteria in organic vegetables, which can cause gastrointestinal illnesses such as salmonellosis, cholera and dysentery.

How these infections are entering the organic food chain is an emerging subject of research, as it appears they have managed to travel from animal stomachs to plants and then back into the gut. Consumers are drawn to organic produce because of its perceived health advantages, as organic farming avoids synthetic chemicals, fertilisers, and pesticides. “Organic food is even associated with sustainability and environmental care, making it appealing for those who prioritise eco-friendly choices in their lifestyle.

However, despite these benefits, there are concerns about the potential risks to gut health if organic food is not handled or consumed properly. The quality and safety of organic products are cl.