As Activists Attempt To Heighten Concern, Alliance For Food & Farming Looks At The Science

To capitalize on recent events and the current political climate, certain activist groups have sought to inflame health concerns about minute levels of residues on produce as well as raise doubts about the stringent regulatory process in place to protect consumers.  But toxicology analyses and decades of nutrition research support that Americans enjoy very safe food and we should work to encourage, not discourage, consumption of fruits and veggies to improve public health and lifetime longevity.

Let’s review some of those studies and analyses.

Regarding activists’ residue exposure claims, a peer reviewed study in the International Journal of Food Contamination examined those exposures.  The study titled, “Chronic Dietary Exposure to Pesticide Residues in the United States,” provided updated estimates of dietary exposure to pesticides using Total Diet Study findings.  Among the conclusions:

• Dietary exposure to pesticides continues to be at levels far below those of health concern.
• Consumers should be encouraged to eat fruits, vegetables and grains and should not fear the low levels of pesticide residues (if present at all) found on such foods.

To read the rest of the story, please go to: Alliance for Food and Farming