Buyer Beware! (1) Grocery shoppers coast their carts through aisles of food with various labels such as “gluten free,” “cage free” “no antibiotics” “grass fed,” “no MSGs,” and so forth. (2) All this labeling can be overwhelming. (3) This is why so many people scratch their heads as they try to figure out the difference between natural and organic products. (4) However, these terms don't have to be confusing.
(5) Organic means that the ingredients a manufacturer uses to make products are processed using organic farming methods. (6) Farmers use minimal pesticides and no synthetic fertilizer. (7) Therefore, farmers who use organic methods to grow their crops must have their farms inspected by the U. S. Department of Agriculture.
(8) Natural foods, on the other hand, are foods that should be minimally processed. (9) They are free of additives, which include preservatives to prolong shelf life and artificial ingredients.
(10) Authentic natural products made with organic ingredients would be best for people and the environment. (11) However, this is rarely the case. (12) Although peanut butter may be made naturally, the peanuts may not have been grown organically. (13) Organic peanut butter may contain organically-grown peanuts, but the peanuts could have been severely processed when the manufacturer made the peanut butter.
(14) Other than meat and poultry products, no laws regulate use of the term “natural.” (15) So-called natural product manufacturers often try to deceive consumers into thinking they are purchasing a healthful product. (16) To determine whether or not a product really is natural, consumers should read the ingredients label. (17) If it lists ingredients that sound like they were made in a lab, the product probably isn’t as natural as most consumers are led to believe. (18) Aspartame is an artificial sweetener made in labs. (19) Some manufacturers argue that their products are natural because the lab-made additives and preservatives originate from natural ingredients.
2
Select the correct answer.
Which paragraphs could easily be combined?
A.
the third and fifth
B.
the fourth and fifth
C.
the second and third
D.
the first and third