Am I Really What I Eat?

There is a commercial airing right now that has me wondering, just when did 'all natural' become a special selling point? When did the presumption shift from something being healthy to it not being so unless there are rigorous criteria met and obvious labeling declaring it to be true? And why is this ok?
The word 'organic' has been a part of my vernacular since I was a small child. My parents started a garden soon after we moved to the country. They used composting, and avoided pesticides. And it was completely the norm. I never thought anything of it until recently while talking to people about organic gardening. Yes, my parents were part of the 'hippy culture' that believed that poisons were bad and that there were plenty of natural remedies for slugs, bugs, and bunnies. What a strange mentality that was.
The term 'organic' is somewhat of a conundrum. It baffles me that there is a specific, and in my opinion lyrical, term for something that is natural. Contrary to what many believe, there are specific factors that must be met for that desired green and white sticker. I used to walk a couple dogs who lived on an orchard. The owners were seeking their organic classification and told me they have to prove that they have been pesticide-free for 3 years before they can receive that designation. Since they had only worked the orchard for less than a year, they had to wait. I also knew someone who worked for the CCOF. His job was to inspect growers and farmers with a lengthy checklist. CCOF not only certifies growers and farmers in California, it also is the leader in organic certification across the nation. They have blazed the trail in legislation that gives consumers more knowledge and assurance regarding the food they buy. But why do we place the burden on those producers to prove that their products are healthy and safe and allow all others to use poisons, hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs without having to list on their labels exactly what these things are? Shouldn't we demand that growers tell us what pesticides are being sprayed on the crops? It is amazing that companies like Monsanto have free reign to use whatever they like in the production of goods, but don't have to tell the consumer what those things are considering they could be dangerous to that consumer. Eighty percent of antibiotics bought in the US are not used on humans, but on healthy livestock! (source: NRDC). None of the packaging on all that meat sold for consumption is labeled with what antibiotics were used and yet there is a serious problem with antibiotic resistance and drug-resistant bacteria. It is well reported that overuse of antibiotics is leading to the end of useful treatments for illnesses and the rise of super bacteria. Since the vast majority of misuse comes from livestock production, shouldn't the USDA demand that these violators place what antibiotics are used on their animals? The push for new labeling guidelines has only been in reference to GMOs which I firmly support. There is no direct evidence as of yet that shows that these mutated substances are harmful; however I feel that the consumer should be able to make an educated decision on a purchase based upon full disclosure. And I believe this should extend to any substance used on products made for consumption.
My hope is that we can return to the assumption that, if it doesn't say otherwise, the product you are buying is naturally-made and uses nothing that could be potentially dangerous. I am often told that the reason people opt to buy non-organic products is because they are cheaper. I hope that the demand for organic foods will increase, thereby lowering the cost. Perhaps someday manufacturers will have to put every possibly dangerous substance used on labels. If we are truly what we eat, we should know exactly what that means. We should demand full knowledge of what is used in making food. We should create a system whereby those who prefer to use unhealthy practices will have to pay more to produce them, in the hopes of aiding consumers in making healthy decisions. My hope is that some day every burger sold at fast food restaurants will be all-natural and they will have the special Crap Sandwich as a special. Eat it if you dare!
Here is a list of the "Dirty Dozen and Clean 15", produce that tested with the highest and lowest pesticide residue, respectively: