Monday, August 17, 2009 by Lee Mannering
Facts trump fear regarding pesticide residues on produce
Last week PMA notified its retail members about recent media reports regarding pesticide residues on 12 fruits and vegetables. Considering that the latest reports may generate questions from shoppers, we offered these facts to aid in developing any consumer response.
- It is not in the best interest of public health to scare consumers away from eating fresh produce of any kind. Fresh fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet, and we should be eating more of them, not less, for our better health.
- U.S. government and international health officials agree that the nutritional benefits of eating fruits and vegetables by far outweigh any risk posed by low levels of pesticide residues. These sensational reports often fail to mention that the mere presence of a pesticide residue does not mean that a food poses a health risk.
- The men and women who grow the produce you sell are 100 percent committed to providing safe and healthy foods, every bite, every time. Fruit and vegetable growers and their families are often the first to eat the foods they sell, and they recognize that their livelihoods depend on the confidence of the consumers who purchase their wares to feed their own families.
We also suggested consumers be reminded that the FDA advises washing fresh produce - both conventionally-grown and organic - before eating them is a healthful habit.
These types of reports continue to surface, often with the nickname “the dirty dozen.” We respond to these, chastising journalists that do not provide facts and repeat fear-mongering. So let us know if you see such stories in your media so that we can support the industry by countering these baseless reports.
For additional information about pesticide residues, visit the PMA Web site.