DoH says that none of the pesticide residues found in its research could harm children

DoH says that none of the pesticide residues found in its research could harm children

The Soil Association has published a report claiming fruit and veg in the School Fruit & Vegetable Scheme contains higher traces of pesticides than fresh produce sold on the high street.

The Pesticides in School Children's Fruit report report said government figures showed that chemical residues were found in 84 per cent of fresh produce in schools compared with 57 per cent in stores, government figures published by the Soil Association said.

Peter Melchett, policy director at the Soil Association, said: “..it is wrong for a scheme that provides produce to the most vulnerable in society to source lower quality fruit and vegetables.”

The government, however, has said chemical traces in fruit and veg in stores and schools are "broadly similar" and closely monitored.

The Pesticides Residue Committee tested 167 items in schools and 882 items of fresh produce on sale in shops last year. Some 65 per cent of the samples for the SFVS contained “multiple traces” of resiudues, which translates as more than one pesticide.

The Department of Health (DoH) said none of the chemical residues gave rise to concerns over children's health.

A DoH spokeswoman said: "Product for the SFVS is sourced from growers whose produce is grown according to the principles of integrated crop management, where pesticide inputs are minimised."

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