Gordon Clay here. Plastic lettuce. That's right. The latest virile information going around is that there is a plastic-looking peel found on the organic Romaine lettuce that you buy from the grocery store. The question is, is it natural, is it organic, or is it something cooked up in a research lab.

Some think it might be Modified Atmospheric Packaging or Edible "Invisible Packaging" which are packaging techniques designed to increase shelf life. However, they also can present potential health hazards, the most severe of which is the potential to promote the growth of food borne pathogens if misapplied.

Others think that it's an Epidermal Peel - nature's way of protecting lettuce from cooler temperatures. And even one person claims it's from chemtrails that have infected the crop with GMO. Wow. The Internet.

I recently bought a three pack of organic Romaine lettuce from Fred Meyer, Ray's, the Grocery Outlet and Shop Smart. They all had this film. I contacted all four producers to find out more, and to date, none have confirmed or denied the use of this type of packaging. From what I've read to date, however, I go with nature's Epidermal Peel solution.

What is the best way to deal with these issues - grow your own. If you don't have a green thumb or the time, buy locally-farmed foods at a Farmer's Market or from a Community Supported Agricultural farm, even if it's not certified organic, versus produce that spends a lot of time in an 18-wheeler.

Fresh, non-coated, non-treated locally grown fruits and vegetables will, most likely, be healthier for you.

Find out more at www.TheCitizensWhoCare.org/plasticlettuce.html