The freight industry strike got me thinking....Is this country the next Zimbabwe?

The freight industry strike that started yesterday saw truck drivers take the streets, with the (usual) airing of grievances through initimidation, violence and vandalism

The scenes on Joburg's streets probably got the dinner table discussions quite heated, with debates about whether South Africa was headed for doom...with the standard arm chair analysis...

'South Africa is the next Zimbabwe'

The images of violence on Joburg's streets got me thinking about other, similar, images

The events of the past several weeks have presented the world with remarkable images.

Some of those images are inspiring

Many of them, scary

Egypt's (still pending) 'transition' has seen mostly peaceful protests, with footage of tens of thousands of people, united in song, united in prayer, united in celebratory exuberance

There has also been footage of destruction, looting, and murder

Over 300 people have died

The violence in Egypt, while tragic, was, in many circles, anticipated.

Expected

A given

The violence, some say, can easily be explained away

After all, Egypt is an Arab country

An African country

Some argue that Egypt is not a civilised, westernised, country

Backward Egypt is no civilised Europe

Egypt is going to the dogs

The images in Egypt remind me of other, recent, violent clashes. Clashes that took place in other parts of the world

In October 2010, France was gripped by terror.

This terror initiated was initiated by protestors who opposed the increase of the retirement age from 60 to 62

City centres bacame war-zones. There were violent clashes between protestors and police. Many people were injured.

Shops were looted.

Property was destroyed

The rule of law.....non-existent

 

This kind of behaviour was not expected. France is a westernised, developed country, and thriving democracy

The violence and destruction was an anomoly, wasn't it?

Surely this is not the behaviour of civilised Europeans

France is doomed

In November 2010, university students in the UK took to the streets to protests increased tuition fees.

The authorities struggled to control the crowds.

The protests turned violent. Public and private property was vandalised and destroyed.

Police men and women were attacked

Scores were arrested.

   

The images were disturbing

Frightening

And then, in December 2010, Prince Charles and Camilla's car was attacked. 20 demonstrators attacked their vehicle, while chanting 'Off with their heads'

Surely the people in that country must feel ashamed? I doubt they can explain away their behaviour, considering the UK is a civilised, a westernised, and above all, a moral society

How could things have gone so wrong?

Clearly, the UK has no future

The year ended a little quieter in that part of the world. But, still a little disturbing

In late December 2010, thousands of homes in Northen Ireland had no water supply. Around 40,000 people were left 'water-less' after pipes burst during the freezing weather

People had to collect water from distribution centres, with limits on how many litres each citizen could take

That begs the question: How could a developed, western country, not plan sufficiently for aging water pipes? How could the wise Europeans not anticipate the problem, and ensure that the water system was capable of enduring extreme water conditions.

It's apparent, Northen Ireland is on the brink of collapse

The images from Egypt, France, England, Northern Ireland clearly present societies that are in disarray with no clear leadership, or vision.

How could people turn so violent?

How could grievances spur such tragic a violent behaviour?

How could protestors destroy public property and bring countries to a standstill?

How could the police be targeted by these thugs?

How could a prince of a nation be attacked, in public?

I do not know the answer to those questions.

However...

When seeing the scenes of violence, intimidation and vandalism on their streets and on their TV screens, the liberated Egyptian citizens, aggrieved French workers, disenfranchised English youth and thirsty Northern Irish probably didn't say:

''Our country is the next Zimbabwe''

And neither should we

Desmond Tutu is not an Anti-Semite....He's anti-Christian

The following countries have total or partial bans on Hijabs or Burqas:




Tunisia



Morocco



Turkey



France



Belgium



Germany



Kosovo



Spain





In Israel, however, all religions are protected, and all people are free to practice their faiths.



In private… in public…however one chooses



That includes Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Ba’hai, Buddhists….



In October 2010, Desmod Tutu called on the Cape Town Opera to call off its Israel tour



Some right-wing, fanatical Jews have claimed that Desmond Tutu is anti-semitic.



They want to know: Why, oh why, does Desmond Tutu target Israel for its 'human rights' violations... Much more so than China, Sudan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Tunisia, Cuba, Nigeria, Russia, Libya or Indonesia?



This group of Jewish freaks claims that Desmond Tutu specifically (and unjustly) targets Israel in his continued calls to boycott Israel. They say that his pre-occupation with Israel borders on anti-semitism



This claim, by the right-wingers, settlers and other Jewish fanatics, is fallacious



Desmond Tutu is a champion of human rights. He highlights injustices and atrocities that are perpetrated across the globe.



The fact that Israel is associated with Jews is inconsequential



His call to boycott Israel is based on furthering the cause of human rights, and follows his recent call to boycott Saudi Arabia.



Last month, Desmond Tutu attended the “Conference of Anglican Bishops”, held in Saudi Arabia



At this conference, he voiced his dismay at how the Saudi Arabian authorities treat Christians, women, gays and lesbians



After all, in Saudi Arabia, Christians are not able to practice their faiths freely, or in public.



Okay,……



Did you really believe my 'report' that a Conference of Anglican Bishops took place in Saudi Arabia…



Or my 'report' that Desmond Tutu has EVER called for a boycott of Saudi Arabia because of its treatment of Christians?



Wouldn’t it be great if The Most Rev. Dr. Desmond Mpilo Tutu loved Christians more than he despised Israel



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paradigmshiftyourlife.blogspot.com

Israel is a shocking Occupier of Gaza

Israel is accused of ‘occupation’. The terms ‘Occupation’, ‘Occupiers’ and ‘Colonisers’ are widely used when addressing the long-standing war between Israel and the Palestinians over disputed territories.

The disputed territories (particulalry the 'West Bank') are the subject of ongoing peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.

We pray for a peaceful resolution to the Arab/Israeli conflict, where both Palestinians and Israelis live, and thrive, in peace

But what about the Gaza Strip. What's going on with that 'occupation'?

Colonisation involves the assimilation of the indigenous population or/and the conversion of the indigenous culture to the culture of the colonizers.

Let’s look for a moment at that concept of occupation and colonization. Let’s take a look at several occupations and colonisations of relatively recent history

The British occupied and colonized the United States. They imposed British law and the English language. And then, most of the local, Indian population, got wiped out by the new immigrants

The Portuguese occupied and colonized Mozambique. They imposed Portuguese law on the indigenous population, made sure that most converted, and made them speak Portuguese too

The French occupied Morocco, imposed French law and the French language on the mostly Arabic, Muslim Population. The same happened in Algeria

The British occupied India. They imposed British law, and made English an official language within the mostly Hindi speaking country

The white, Afrikaans led apartheid regime, imposed Afrikaans on the South African black population. Through subjugation, the National Party enforced bantu education. Bantu education was aimed at controlling the local population’s mind, sources of educational material, and freedom. It was aimed at creating a new history, one where the local population’s languages and cultural identities would be eroded, so that the National Party’s agenda would be furthered, with limited resistance

All nations protect their borders and Israel has indeed protected its borders in an effort to limit attacks from Gaza. Without a doubt, movement for Gazans into Israel has been curtailed. But so has movement of Gazans into Egypt. Neither Israel nor Egypt want to jeopardize their security. The issue of cross-border restriction of movement has more to do with Hamas’ intention than Israel’s ‘apartheid style tactics’.

Egypt has never accused of being an ‘apartheid state’, and ‘occupier’ or a ‘coloniser’ when it too restricts movements of Gazans into Egypt, in an effort to protect its citizens.

Why is Egypt not called an ‘occupier’? Because everybody knows that Egypt is not ‘occupying’ the Gaza strip, it’s merely protecting its borders… and it’s citizens

Egypt does not ‘occupy’ the Gaza strip

Protection of a nation state’s border does not define ‘occupation’ or ‘colonisation’

Restrictions of cross-border movement is legitimate, and practiced across the world. In South Africa, there are border control posts between South Africa and ALL it’s neighbouring countries

Gaza is controlled by Hamas (not Israel). Arabic is the official language (not Hebrew). Islam is the official religion (not Judaism).

School text books (which include calls for the destruction of Israel and the murder of innocents) are used in the public school system. Freedom of the press is curtailed. Journalists are imprisoned. Suspected traitors are executed. Women are not regarded as equals within civil society, and do not share equal rights. Gays and Lesbians are tortured, and some get murdered/executed. Family honour killings are tacitly encouraged. Political prisoners and prisoners of war do not have access to the Red Cross.

Israel is a democratic state. It guarantees freedom of religion, freedom of the press, equality of the sexes, rights for Gays and Lesbians. All holy sites, for all religions, are protected by the state. Religious freedom is enshrined in, and upheld by, the law. Women have the vote. Gays have parades. Jewish schools teach in Hebrew and the curriculum includes Jewish studies. Muslim Arab schools teach in Arabic and the curriculum includes Muslim studies. Yeshivahs flourish for those wanting to engage in intense study of the Torah and other Jewish texts. Madrassahs flourish for those wanting to engage in intense study of the Koran and other Islamic religious texts. Muslims, Christians and Jews practice their faiths openly and freely. Muslims have Mosques (including one on Judaism’s holiest site), and Muslim worship is protected under Israeli law. Christians have churches (including many in Judaism’s holiest city), and Christian worship is protected under Israeli law. There is freedom of association and all people, religions, races and creeds are protected, as equals, by Israeli law. Political prisoners, including those militants that Israel calls ‘terrorists’, have access to legal aid, the Red Cross and humanitarian organisations

If Israel were ‘successful’ occupiers and colonisers, they would impose their laws and way of life on the occupied population. Israel would have assimilated the indigenous Gazan population or Israel would have converted the indigenous Gazan population to Israeli culture.

This is what all ‘successful’ occupiers and colonisers have done.

Hamas would not control Gaza. There would be freedom of the press in Gaza. Jews would have synagogues. Journalists would be respected and free to report (and opine) on what they see (and believe in). There would be freedom of association. Political opposition would be encouraged. Gays and Lesbians would be able to freely express their love without the threat of torture or murder. Young women would not have to fear family honour killings for getting into relationships that their families, or the political leadership, do not approve of. Prisoners would have access to legal aid, the Red Cross and humanitarian organizations.

To those who continue to despise Israel for its ruthless 'occupation' of Gaza...

Fear not....

As an ‘Occupier’ and ‘Coloniser’ of Palestinians in the Gaza strip, Israel has clearly failed

Cosatu's fight against (in)justice is not based on anti-semitism....Is it?

The 86th session of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Tourism Committee conference will be hosted in Isreal, next week.

SA Tourism was invited, but are unable to attend. "Cosatu saluted the SA tourism ministry on Thursday for not attending a tourism conference to be hosted by Israel"

It is no surprise that Cosatu is happy about SA tourism's non-attendance. Cosatu openly supports the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) campaign against Israel, which Cosatu says is an Apartheid state.

Cosatu has been accused by right-wing, conservative Jews (and some others) for being not only anti-Isreal, but anti-semitic too. The Jews argue that while the dispute between Israelis and Palestinians needs to be resolved peacefully and quickly, Cosatu's focus on Israel as an 'apartheid state' is not only unjustified, but smacks of anti-semitism.

Cosatu denies these accusations, claiming that calls to boycott Israel are not anti-Israel per se, nor anti-semitic, but simply part of their continued fight against injustice wherever it may occur

Cosatu is right to support the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) campaign. After all, Cosatu has led the ethical and moral transaformation in South Africa. Cosatu fought against apartheid, and continue to highlight the injustices that pervade the world.

Here are some other BDS campaigns that Cosatu vocally supports:

BDS Saudi Arabia

Cosatu has led multiple marches on the Saudi Arabia embassy in Pretoria. Cosatu continues to fight for the rights of Christians, who are all too often oppressed and repressed. These marches aim to highlight the religious intolerance of the Saudi authorities.

Here's why Cosatu continues to march on the Saudi embassy:

"Saudi Arabia's treatment of religious minorities has also been described by both Saudis and non-Saudis as "apartheid" and "religious apartheid"

Testifying before the Congressional Human Rights Caucus on June 4, 2002, in a briefing entitled "Human Rights in Saudi Arabia: The Role of Women", Ali Al-Ahmed, Director of the Saudi Institute, stated: Saudi Arabia is a glaring example of religious apartheid. The religious institutions from government clerics to judges, to religious curricula, and all religious instructions in media are restricted to the Wahhabi understanding of Islam, adhered to by less than 40% of the population. The Saudi government communized Islam, through its monopoly of both religious thoughts and practice. Wahhabi Islam is imposed and enforced on all Saudis regardless of their religious orientations. The Wahhabi sect does not tolerate other religious or ideological beliefs, Muslim or not. Religious symbols by Muslims, Christians, Jewish and other believers are all banned. The Saudi embassy in Washington is a living example of religious apartheid. In its 50 years, there has not been a single non-Sunni Muslim diplomat in the embassy. The branch of Imam Mohamed Bin Saud University in Fairfax, Virginia instructs its students that Shia Islam is a Jewish conspiracy."

BDS Jordan

Cosatu's fight for women's rights is widely known. Cosatu has been particulalry pro-active in highlighting the lack of women's rights in Jordan. The apartheid style discrimnation of women in Jordan has led to Cosatu's calls for the South African government to break all diplomatic and trade ties with that country.

Here is why Cosatu is furthering the cause of women in Jordan:

"While Jordan, compared with many other Middle Eastern countries, scores quite highly in democratic league tables” , human rights, especially women’s rights perform poorly.

Article 340 of the Jordanian Penal Code stipulates: "He who discovers his wife or one of his female relatives committing adultery (with a man) and kills, wounds or injures one or both of them, is exempt from any penalty." Another clause states: "He who discovers his wife or one of his female relatives with another in an adulterous situation, and kills, wounds or injures one or both of them benefits from a reduction in penalty. When an attempt to cancel article 340 did not succeed, MP Mahmoud Al-Kharabshehm, speaking for 31 other MP's, said: "The changes will lead to a degredation of Jordanian society, affect the Jordanian family, and remove the deterring element embedded in article 340."

Furthermore, women do not have the same status as men with respect to nationality. A Jordanian man may marry a foreigner and pass on his nationality to his children; women can not. Women can't even pass on their nationality to their husbands

BDS Bangladesh

In staging demonstrations against the persecution of Buddhists in Bangladesh, Cosatu have managed to raise the profile of this community. Cosatu has opposed what is tantamount to Apartheid style torture and forced removals by the Bangladeshi government

Here's why Cosatu continues to hold demonstrations and rallies in support of Bangladeshi Buddhists:

"The Buddhist communities of Bangladesh are under pressure from the military and police not to practice Buddhism, and Buddhists have suffered abuse, arrest, and even rapes. The government encourages Muslim settlement in Buddhist areas, as part of its campaign to promote Islam. According to Jumma exiles, torture and murder of Buddhists is a frequent occurrence"

BDS Iran

Cosatu has called for the boycott of all good manufactured in Iran. This has been in solidarity of the Gay and Lesbian community of Iran, who continue to be subjected to Apartheid-style state executions and persecution

Here's why Cosatu has called for Iranian products to be pulled from South African shelves:

"On July 19, 2005, when two teenage boys, Mahmoud Asgari, 14, and Ayaz Marhoni, 16, were hanged in a particularly brutal manner in Iran for the crime of homosexual activity. Although Iranian officials insisted that the death sentence was for the rape of a third boy, the National Council of Resistance of Iran, has said otherwise.

But Asgari and Marhoni were not alone. According to the Iranian gay and lesbian rights group Homan, the Iranian government has put to death an estimated 4,000 homosexuals since 1980. According to Scott Long, director of the Human Rights Watch Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights Program, Iranians who are suspected of being gay commonly face torture. Hossein Alizadeh of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission said Iran gays live with “constant fear of execution and persecution and also social stigma associated with homosexuality.”

BDS Israel

Despite Israel's commitment to a peaceful and speedy resolution of its conflict with the Palestinians, Cosatu continues to fight apartheid-style practices by the Israeli apartheid state.

Here's why Cosatu's anti-Israel marches, boycotts and demonstrations against Israel are not anti-semitic in nature, but rather fall in line with Cosatu's other campaigns against injustice around the world:

"Israel's Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty seeks to defend human rights and liberties in Israel. Israel is the only country in the region ranked "Free" by Freedom House based on the level of civil liberties and political rights

In 2010, Israel was also the only country in the Middle East to be ranked "free" by Freedom House's "Freedom of the Press report, ranking the highest in the region."

Women in Israel have been guaranteed gender equality since the establishment of the state in 1948. This has enabled women to actively participate in Israeli life. The Israeli Declaration of Independence states: “The State of Israel (…) will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex.”

Israel has no entrenched constitution, but freedom of religion is anchored in law. While the Basic Laws of Israel that serve in place of a constitution define the country as a "Jewish state," these Basic Laws, coupled with Knesset statutes, decisions of the Supreme Court of Israel, and various elements of the common law current in Israel, also protect free practice of religion in the country. Legal accommodation of the non-Jewish communities follows the pattern and practice of the Ottoman and British administrations with some important modifications. Israeli law officially recognizes five religions, all belonging to the Abrahamic family of religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Druzeism and the Bahá'í Faith. Furthermore, the law formally recognizes ten separate sects of Christianity: the Roman, Armenian, Maronite, Syriac, and Chaldean Catholic Churches; the Eastern Orthodox Greek Orthodox Church; the Oriental Orthodox Syriac Orthodox Church; the Armenian Apostolic Church; and the Anglican Evangelical Episcopal Church.

Rights for sexual minorities in Israel are considered to be the most tolerant in the Middle East. A national gay rights law bans some anti-gay discrimination"

So, back to the question:


Does Cosatu’s support of the BDS campaign against Israel smack of anti-semitism?

I'm not sure

I would be in a much better position to answer that question if BDS campaigns against Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bangladesh and Iran actually existed


---------------------------------------

Paradigm Shift Your Life


paradigmshiftyourlife.blogspot.com

South Africa appears to be ahead of the Totalitarian Curve

In general, I am a President Zuma supporter. In general, I believe President Zuma has led South Africa well.


At times, this has been through his active involvement in issues. At other times, this has been achieved through his staying out of the issues.

But I am disturbed by his recent comments regarding The Protection of Information Bill - a bill he openly supports

Throughout history, there have been people in positions of power and control that believed that what they did was in the mass's best interests. These people usually started out in movements that fought for the rights of their people. These people usually began their political lives fighting against injustice. These people usually embarked on political journeys, fighting for the freedom their followers were so desperate to enjoy.

At some point in time, these people won their battles for freedom. At some point in time, these freedom fighters won control of state structures. At some point in time, the oppressed masses gained their freedom from the all powerful state.

And then, at a later point in time, the people in positions of power became 'holier than thou'. These people believed they had access to the 'truth'. These people started fighting to protect their own interests. These people started to protect their own interests. These people started using state structures to further their own political ambitions. These people started placing 'The State' above the rights of individuals. These people told the 'ignorant' masses that these laws were in their best interests. These people told the populace that new laws were being introduced to protect the state and its organs.

These people started out as liberators, freedom fighters and as voices for the oppressed. These people included Verwoerd, Stalin, Hitler, Kim Jong-Il, Ahmadinejad and Mugabe.

These people followed typical cycles: Fighting the Oppression that was justified as the 'State's Best Interest'. Then winning Liberation for their followers. Then, oppression in the Name of the State's Best Interests

The Protection of Information Bill would give the State the power to classify any information it deems to be in the national interest. The bill would also make publishing what The State can regard as top secret information, punishable with up to 25 years in prison.

The Protection of Information Bill does not surprise me in the least. It's (potential) adoption was inevitable.

After all, freedom fighters forget their roots.

What does surprise me is the speed at which such a bill came into the political debate. In 1994, South Africa held its first free and fair elections. 16 short years later, and ANYONE can (potentially) be arrested if they uncover/report on/question something that THE STATE deems not to be in THE STATE'S best interest

Here is my advice' to our leaders:

Remember

Remember what it was like when a regime used 'protection of the State' as a justification to limit the rights of citizens

Remember what it was like to be persecuted for uncovering the truth

Remember what it was like to fight injustice - and go to jail for doing so

Remember what it was like to speak out against corruption - and be prosecuted for doing so

"I feel..that most people in the world if given the choice between being guaranteed food...shelter...and other basic necessities of life..if given the choice between those basic needs and their freedom of speech...would give up that freedom" Dalton Trumbo (Blacklisted American screenwriter and novelist, 1905-1976)

Maybe freedom of the press is no longer an issue for most South Africans.

Perhaps freedom of speech is overrated.

Perhaps I have nothing to fear.

After all, I don't do, say or think anything that is a threat to The State

Well, let me be more accurate: I don't do, say or think anything that is a threat to The State, according to my interpretation of 'threat to the state'

I just have to pray that The State sees things the same way I do

And I pray that's true for all of you too

South Africa's public transport - Rea Vaya Rocks

Last week, I was fortunate enough to see SA vs Colombia at Soccer City (image attached). The vibe at the stadium was inspiring. But, the ‘inspiring’ experience started before that.....

Very few northern-suburbs, middle-class South Africans are aware of the fact that South Africa has an amazing public transport infrastructure. The public transport is lacking in many repsects. I still cannot get from home to work. But parts of the system are phenomenal.

Despite the real problems facing SA, despite the arm-chair critcisms, despite the naysayers.....Many parts of the South African system are actually working (see my post on the public health system too. Click here)

Following the unexpected interest in my Rea Vaya trips last week, I thought I would post a short description of what transpired.

My Rea Vaya experience was awesome. I am proud of the public transport Johannesburg offers. It was professional and efficient.

It was as good as any public transport I have used in the US, Asutralia, Israel or England. I felt like a tourist, in my own city.

Sadly for me, too efficient. I had to wait at Soccer City for 2 hours for my mates to arrive with the tickets. They used the park and walk facilities

Workplace To Soccer City

I left my car in the work-place parkade. Time: 6:28pm.
I got onto Sauer, and walked to Commissioner Street
I turned right into Commissioner street. There is Rea Vaya bus stop a few metres from the Commissioner/Sauer intersection

I waited in line to buy tickets (image attached). That took approximately 5 minutes (image attached). The ticket booth staff were friendly and helpful. Tickets cost R6 (each way). I bought both tickets (for each way) at that point.

There were Rea Vaya staff members on the bus stop platform. They too were helpful, and told me which bus to use.
It was a brand new, modern bus.
It was full of passengers (approx 100)
And it was spotless.

We passed SAPS and Metro Police stationed along the way. The route was safe and secure. There were two stops (if I recall) before getting to Soccer City.
I arrived at the Soccer City stop, where fellow passengers said to me “This is your stop. Enjoy the game”. Time: 6:54pm

The Soccer City Rea Vaya stop is a few hundred metres from the stadium (image attached). There is an underground tunnel from the bus stop, linking the bus stop with the stadium grounds.

Soccer City to Jo'burg CBD

After the game, I made my way to the Rea Vaya NORTH station. Nite: NORTH is for people going back to the CBD
There were several busses waiting for passengers. I got into the first one. We waited for the bus to fill up before heading back to the CBD. That took approximately 10 minutes
Once in the CBD, the bus turned into Market. The trip back into the CBD took less than 15 minutes

I got off at the first Market Street bus stop, and walked up to Sauer(image attached), turning left into Sauer, towards the my workplace parkade.

The streets were quiet, clean, but unfortunately deserted. There is not much life in the Jo'burg CBD. That is a great pity. People asked me if it was safe.

The answer:

"Absolutely Yes"

There was nobody on the streets. Ofcourse it was safe. Being at home, or in a car - one is probably not too safe. But on Jo'burg city streets - one of the safest places to be.

If a mugger is waiting for passing trade on Jo'burg's streets - he has the kakkest job in the world.

I say: Get out of your homes and cars and onto the streets people.

The Rea Vaya service was brilliant.

It was simple, quick and safe

I would advise any Jo'burg resident to us public transport for the World Cup Soccer games
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note:

My Rea Vaya experience was amazing.

The service was simple, quick and safe…..

But I cannot guarantee simplicity, speed and safety

This is South Africa after all :)

Organic food has no extra health benefits, say researchers

From Friday's Daily Mail (UK)

---------------------------------------------------------------

Damning verdict: Organic food has no health, taste or nutritional advantages over conventionally manufactured or harvested food, according to a new study

By Allan Hall


Last updated at 10:08 AM on 28th May 2010

Organic food has no health, taste or nutritional advantages over conventionally manufactured or harvested food.

That is the damning verdict of a study by Berlin based consumer watchdog group Stiftung Warentest.

The results, from one of the most respected consumer groups in Europe - backed and funded by the German government but totally independent - is a massive embarrassment for the organic food industry.

Damning verdict: Organic food has no health, taste or nutritional advantages over conventionally manufactured or harvested food, according to a new study

It said it carried out 85 investigations over eight years to come up with an overall assessment on bio food.

The foundation said that organic products were 'not necessarily healthier, or even better-tasting, than regular groceries.
'Despite being on average 30 percent more expensive, there was little overall difference in quality.'

Of 13 organic baby food products tested, they all rated only in the 'satisfactory' range.

The reason was that they actually contained too little fat and often too little iron for babies’ nutritional needs.

Some 45 percent of ecological products got a 'good' or 'very good' nutritional rating, compared with 41 percent for conventional foods.

Some 15 percent of organic foods were rated 'poor' – slightly higher than the 14 percent of regular products given such a score.

There was considerable variation among products, with organic performing well in some areas but poorly in others. Organic rape seed oil did not score well.

Only on the pesticide front did the bio products come out far ahead - some 75 percent were completely pesticide free compared with just 16 percent of conventional groceries.
The Soil Association dismissed the German research as 'irrelevant'

It emerged that the German consumer group only surveyed the nutrient content of processed and packet foods, rather that raw produce and meat.
Consequently, the association said it would be unable to provide a definitive picture of the quality of organic food.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1281948/Organic-food-extra-health-benefits-say-researchers.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0pTt81wZ2