US trade association PMA has vigorously challenged an article appearing in the February issue of US journal Consumer Reports that suggests that some conventionally grown fresh produce items are unsafe because of pesticide residues.
“PMA works aggressively to challenge misleading and incorrect public statements that call into question the safety and wholesomeness of produce,” according to PMA president Bryan Silbermann.
“In reality, pesticides are subjected to hundreds of tests before they are approved for use. When the EPA sets residue tolerances, it builds in a safety buffer of at least 100-fold. Additionally, the special diets of 22 sensitive groups, including infants, children, pregnant/nursing women, and others are considered” he added.
“Government, scientific, and health authorities are very clear in telling us that organic and conventionally grown produce are equally safe, nutritious, and tasty,” according to PMA vice president, government relations Kathy Means. “Although minuscule amounts of pesticide residues may, in fact, remain, credible scientific evidence indicates they represent no risk,” she added.
As a partner with Partnership for Food Safety Education, PMA provided funding for a public education initiative that recommends consumers rinse produce under clear drinking water (no detergent or bleach) before eating.
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