Pesticides

Pesticides in Storebought Produce

 Many people have heard that some storebought fruits and vegetables may contain some residue of the pesticides used on them when they were grown. As a result, many wash or rinse the produce they buy with the expectation that this will get rid the contamination. But does it? According to the non-profit Environmental Working Group, it doesn't. Although it helps, this group found that after washing or preparing food as a normal consumer would, substantial amounts still remain.

 Here is a link to a chart ranking 44 different types of produce: Pesticides found in produce.

The data in the chart was taken AFTER washing produce such as apples, peaches, and spinach and after peeling bananas, oranges and the like. Even more than 22% of the frozen sweet peas (removed from the pod before packing) tested had chemical pesticide residues! Over 96% of nectarines and peaches had pesicides on them after preparation and more than 93% for celery and apples. In short, washing or other measures simply don't cut it, although they do help so don't stop, by any means. These results are for fresh (or frozen) produce, they do not include foods that are further processed or run through a canning factory. Organic produce should be free of these chemicals, if you trust the label. Pesticides are designed to kill things and disrupt their natural body functions of a wide variety of insects and other plant pests. Many have been clinically shown to have serious adverse effects on human health as well. If, like me, you want to keep your food and your family pesticide-free, grow your own. Then at least you know what your family is eating.

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