Pressure group Pesticide Action Network UK has criticised retailers for not doing enough to reduce the use of pesticides to produce “cosmetically perfect” fresh produce.

The pressure group has recently collated data about supermarket pesticide policies freely available on the retailers’ own websites. PAN UK published its findings as a comparison on its website under eight different criteria, ranging from making public residue testing results to information for consumers on pesticide usage and support for growers. The Co-op, Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s were found to be doing the most, according to PAN UK, while it accused Aldi, Lidl and Morrisons of appearing to be doing nothing. Staking out the middle ground were Asda, Somerfield, Tesco and Waitrose, which the group said were all making some efforts, but which could go “ a lot further”.

But the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) has been critical of the PAN survey. Ceo Nigel Jenney said:” There are stringent standards in place to ensure that the UK consumer can enjoy healthy, good-quality fresh produce, including a rigorous testing and regulatory process for the use of pesticides.

“The horticulture industry leads in the adoption of integrated pest management systems and will use pesticides only as necessary to fight pests, weeds and diseases and provide a sustainable supply of affordable fresh produce.”

The FPC also pointed out that according to the latest consumer survey by the Food Standards Agency, some 60 per cent of respondents feel confident about actions being taken to protect consumers. Jenney said: “In fact the survey confirmed that they are more concerned about food prices than about the use of pesticides. Concern about pesticides has decreased over time, and is now at its lowest level since tracking began. We believe that this is in response to the proactive and responsible attitude of the fresh produce industry and reflects the high level of confidence which consumers have regarding available information.

“PAN may choose to be critical about information that is currently available, but the independent Pesticide Residues Committee regularly publishes information about the industry’s performance and reinforces that the produce marketed by the industry is consistently safe for consumers to enjoy.”

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