Growing concern about the quality of food that we feed to our children means that more organic food is being sold than ever before. Sales of organic produce now account for half of the entire baby food market. Why choose organic for your children? Existing regulations on the amount of pesticide residues that non-organic foods may contain are based on 'acceptable' levels for adult consumption. Babies and young children, however, are at greater risk because the immaturity of their organic and body systems makes them more vulnerable to toxins. Because children's diet is often restricted to just a few types of less processed food - like apples, potatoes or carrots - they may receive higher exposures. From conception until one year of age, children are at their most vulnerable. During this critical stage of development cells are multiplying at their peak, yet the body has a limited diet to draw upon. A baby's digestive system is also more efficient than that of an adult at absorbing foods, enabling nutrients to be used more quickly, but also making the body more vulnerable to toxins. Immature kidneys are not as proficient at excreting harmful substances, so they may circulate in the body for longer. No one yet knows what effect genetic engineering may have on food products and the health of those who consume them. So the best way to protect yourself and your baby from possible problems is to choose organic. Organic foods are produced without genetically modified ingredients. "Choosing to feed your baby organically may be the single most important way to give them the best start in life." Dr Vyvyan Howard, MB, chB, phD, FRC Path, University of Liverpool You may also find it useful to visit the BabyGROE website - a registered charity helping parents make natural choices on how to bring up their baby.