---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In 1999 the National Research Council…"
description: "\"“In 1999 the National Research Council concluded that 'the total exposure to naturally occurring carcinogens exceeds the exposure to synthetic carcinog..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ad/john-stossel-5146_organic-food_in-1999-the-national-research-council-co_497754.jpg"
---

#  In 1999 the National Research Council concluded that 'the…

![“In 1999 the National Research Council concluded that 'the total exposure to naturally occurring carcinogens exceeds the exposure to synthetic carcinogens.'... The point was that even if organics were pesticide-free, the gain wouldn't make up for the downside of organic food: It's more likely to be…” quote by John Stossel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ad/john-stossel-5146_organic-food_in-1999-the-national-research-council-co_497754.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ad/john-stossel-5146_organic-food_in-1999-the-national-research-council-co_497754.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ad/john-stossel-5146_organic-food_in-1999-the-national-research-council-co_497754.jpg)

> ““In 1999 the National Research Council concluded that 'the total exposure to naturally occurring carcinogens exceeds the exposure to synthetic carcinogens.'... The point was that even if organics were pesticide-free, the gain wouldn't make up for the downside of organic food: It's more likely to be infested with bacteria because it's grown in 'natural' fertilizer. Natural fertilizer is the health food business's euphemism for cow manure. (The much-criticized 'nonorganic' produce is grown in nitrogen fertilizers. Although organics advocates sneer at the chemicals, 'chemical' nitrogen is perfectly healthy; air is 78 percent nitrogen, after all. We have a choice between foods grown in nitrogen taken from the air, and 'organic' food grown in cow manure.)””

[John Stossel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-stossel/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Stossel argues that natural fertilizers (cow manure) may be less safe than synthetic nitrogen, questioning organic food’s health claims.

**In simple terms:** Organic food isn’t always healthier than conventional.

Key Takeaway

Examine food production methods critically.

Themes

food safety science environment

Mood

informative questioning

Type

educational analytical

When to use this quote

- grocery shopping
- diet planning
- policy advocacy

Key Concepts

Agricultural chemistry risk assessment

Questions to Reflect On

- What evidence supports synthetic versus natural fertilizers?
- How do consumer perceptions affect food choices?

A Different Perspective

The argument may oversimplify complex nutritional science.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Organic food](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/organic-food/)

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