The Produce Marketing Association in the US has challenged reports on produce safety in a leading consumer magazine. The February issue of Consumer Reports suggested some conventionally grown fruit and vegetables are unsafe because of pesticide residues. PMA president Bryan Silbermann said: “When the Environmental Protection Agency sets residue tolerances, it builds in a safety buffer of at least 100-fold.”
This has re-opened the debate in the US on the health benefits of organic food over conventional. “What’s emerging lately are scientific studies that show there may be come health benefits to organic products,” said Urvashi Rangan a senior scientist and policy analyst at Consumers Union. But even he had to admit that these studies are few and far between and generally inconclusive. “There are a lot of variables when making comparisons in the nutrient content between organic and non-organic food,” said Rangan.
But PMA is very clear on where the debate should lead consumers. “Government, scientific and health authorities are very clear in telling us that organic and conventionally grown produce are equally safe, nutritious and tasty ,” said PMA vice-president Kathy Means. “Although miniscule amounts of pesticide residues may remain, credible scientific evidence indicates they represent no risk.”