Today, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) published it’s “Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce.” This “guide” is a re-interpretation of the USDA Pesticide Data Program results and actually takes very positive news from the Obama Administration about food safety and turns it into negative news.

Before promoting, publicizing, using or sharing the “Shoppers Guide” list, we ask that individuals consider the following:

1. Read the actual USDA PDP report. Among other key findings, USDA and EPA both clearly state that minute amounts of pesticide residues do not pose a food safety concern.
2. Look at peer reviewed science. Read the Journal of Toxicology paper which examined these “shoppers’ guides,” and found that the methodology used did not follow any established scientific procedures, nor was risk even examined.
3. Review some of the nutritional studies conducted over decades that continually show the health benefits of consuming more fruits and veggies each day which were largely conducted using conventionally grown produce. One of the more recent studies found that an estimated 20,000 cancer cases could be prevented if half of all Americans simply increased their consumption of fruits and veggies by a single serving.
4. Read the new “A Dozen Reasons” website section that features quotable quotes and statements from peer reviewed papers which underscore why eating more conventional and organic produce is always the right and healthy choice for your family.
5. Use the Pesticide Residues Calculator to learn more about how many servings of fruits or veggies you could consume in a day and still not see any adverse health effects from residues.
6. Just wash your produce. The FDA clearly states that you can reduce and often eliminate any residues that may be present simply by washing under running tap water.

The EWG is a good example of how certain groups unfairly disparage the safety of conventionally grown, more affordable produce by using misleading, manipulated information. The issuance of today’s report will not advance efforts by the health community to raise produce consumption because the language used by EWG was chosen to raise fear which discourages consumer choice.

However, the Alliance for Food and Farming will continue to offer consumers facts and science based information which all strongly support our key recommendation, which is shared by health officials, the government, academia and consumer advocates: Choose either conventional or organic fruits and vegetables with confidence. Both are very safe and the right choice is always to eat more.

Good science got in the way of Environmental Working Group’s “Shoppers Guide/Dirty Dozen” annual list release and the result was negligible media coverage.  This represents a significant change from previous years.  But, this year the combination of science based information housed at safefruitsandveggies.com and the clear and concise food safety statements from the Obama Administration resulted in the decline of this once-popular story.

As the scientific library was built and expanded on safefruitsandveggies.com, it became easier and easier to counter the misleading safety statements by groups like the EWG.  And, while the Alliance’s job got simpler, the science presented made EWG’s position, methodology and corresponding statements much harder to justify. 

Also helpful was the strength of the content in the United States Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Data Program Report, which EWG re-interprets to create its “Dirty Dozen” list. Both USDA and the Environmental Protection Agency clearly stated that residues do not pose a food safety risk.  The government report also included consumer sections which focused on the rigorous standards in place to protect the food supply.  The AFF asked media and consumers to just read the government report instead of a re-interpretation by EWG, which seemed to really resonate.

Finally, we also saw a change in EWG’s statements.  They placed more emphasis on the “Clean 15” portion of the “Shoppers Guide” than on the “Dirty Dozen” list.  EWG also went out of their way to remind consumers to eat more fruits and vegetables, including conventionally grown.  Again, this all leads us to ask EWG our repeated question, “why have a list at all?”

With the significant decline in media attention on the “Dirty Dozen” list, a key goal has been achieved.  However, there is still much work left to do since EWG and other groups will continue to unfairly disparage safe and healthy produce which can have a negative impact on consumer choice and consumption.

But, for now, we can keep in mind that science prevailed this week.  The Alliance will continue to enhance this website with new science-based information and website sections so that consumers can learn more about the safety of organic and conventionally grown produce and eat more with confidence.  

In 2010, the Alliance for Food and Farming began the work of correcting misleading information which disparaged the safety of healthy fruits and vegetables.  Not only did this misleading information disparage produce, it also disparaged the farmers who work hard every day to provide healthy and affordable fruits and vegetables for American families. 

This work has been successful.  Most recently, there has been a significant decline in mainstream media coverage of the so-called “Dirty Dozen” list.  This was achieved by presenting factual, science based, peer reviewed information to the public.  The success is heartening because it shows that shining a bright light on science – or lack thereof in the case of the “Dirty Dozen” list – can have a positive effect.

But, why is this work important?  Yes, the Alliance is very passionate about stopping the unfair disparagement of farmers.  In fact, love of farming, a deep respect for farmers and the desire to preserve farming is what motivates our three-woman staff and our board of directors.

But this is also about the consumers of these healthy, nutritious products.  Health experts universally recommend we should be eating more of organic and conventional fruits and veggies.  But, unfairly disparaging one of those production methods and creating fear in consumers counteracts and undermines public health initiatives encouraging healthy eating.   So, the Alliance is equally passionate about correcting these misconceptions so that moms everywhere know that choosing organic or conventional fruits and veggies is the safe and right choice for the health of their families.

Interestingly, for these efforts, the Alliance for Food and Farming is often subjected to negative mischaracterizations about who we are.  But, even more interesting is the fact that the science-based information we put forth has not been disputed by these same critics.  Not once.

The Alliance will continue our work so consumers have access to food safety information that can help them make the right choice for their families.  We’ll also continue to advocate for consumers to eat more conventional and organic fruits and veggies for better health.  Why we get criticized for carrying the same message as health experts everywhere, we aren’t sure.  But we’ll carry on because what we’re advocating for is important for the farmers we represent and for consumers who deserve the truth.

Buying local fruits and veggies at a Farmers’ Market is a popular trend today.  However, consumers who enjoy shopping at Farmers’ Markets should ask some simple questions to ensure that these foods are grown safely and in a responsible manner.

1)      Unlike fruits and vegetables grown and sold to your local grocery stores, fruits and veggies sold at farmers’ markets are often unregulated when it comes to food safety standards.  Therefore consumers should ask the farmers’ market vendor about the water used on the farm and if it is tested for safety.  It is also a good idea to ask about the types of fertilizers that are used. (Manure should be properly composted since raw manure can pose a food safety risk.) It may also be wise to ask about any livestock being raised on the farm.  If the answer is “yes,” ask if any measures are taken to keep livestock away from fruit and vegetable crops.

2)      Many claims are often made at farmers’ markets, like “certified organic” or “pesticide free.”  Organic certification is a rigorous process and the farmer must undergo regular audits to ensure that he/she is, in fact, farming to the organic standard.  If a farmer is certified as organic then they will have documentation verifying this and will happily show it (after all they worked hard for it!).  If a vendor makes claims about being “pesticide free,” consumers should ask how they control pests and diseases.  Since both organic and conventional farmers use pesticides when other pest and disease control strategies fail, a claim of “pesticide free” needs explanation.  If a vendor can’t adequately explain how pests and diseases are controlled, it may be wise to move on.  A consumer should also be aware that if a vendor states that he/she is “certified pesticide free” that no such certification exists.

3)      Part of the fun of shopping at a farmers’ markets is meeting the people who are actually growing the food.  Unfortunately, there have been incidents where vendors purchase produce from another source and then sell them as their own.  (One such case was associated with a recent e.coli outbreak at a farmers’ market.) So, ask general questions about the farm: how long have they been farming; how many acres do they have; where is the farm located; when were the fruits and veggies harvested?  By just asking a few polite questions, consumers will quickly see if the vendor legitimately grew the food that they are selling.  And, consumers may learn some interesting farming facts as well, which will add to the shopping experience.

These suggested questions are quite similar to those asked by local grocery stores and restaurants of the farmers who supply their fruits and vegetables.  Most stores require water testing, documentation of fertilizers used, organic certification documentation, documentation of worker safety and hygiene standards, etc. to protect their consumers and ensure they receive the safest foods possible.  Most stores also mandate that conventional and organic farms are regularly audited to ensure compliance with food safety standards.  Farmers who sell to local grocery stores and restaurants are also subject to stringent government laws and regulations regarding any pesticide usage which are verified through enforcement measures and federal and state product sampling programs.  Vendors selling at farmers’ markets are not subject to the same scrutiny by any buying entity or the government, therefore it is up to the consumers themselves to ask these questions and learn more about how the food is produced.

Buying from farmers’ markets can be an enjoyable and satisfying experience. But adopting a bit of a “buyer beware” attitude is recommended – after all, your family is going to eat this food!  So ask a few questions – real farmers will enthusiastically and happily answer them.  If they don’t or can’t, it might be wise to find another vendor.   

Read, learn, choose, but eat more organic and conventional fruits and veggies for improved health.

Today, the Environmental Working Group took another swing at the Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF) and mischaracterized who we are and who we represent in their online blog.  However, EWG’s attempt to impugn the reputation of the Alliance isn’t of interest here – it is the reason for the renewed attack.

In 2010, the AFF launched its safefruitsandveggies.com website with a goal of providing factual, science based information about the safety of organic and conventional fruits and veggies to consumers as well as to ensure that fear does not become a barrier to consumption of these healthy foods.  As part of this effort, we have presented information that clearly showed that EWG’s “Dirty Dozen” list is not based upon sound science, it is not risk based, and EWG manipulates and exaggerates government data.  Also of significance is that, through the presentation of the facts and credible science, we actually got EWG to agree with us.  Recently they stated that “EWG believes both conventional and organic produce is safe to eat.” 

And, science has prevailed.  Since the AFF launched the safefruitsandveggies.com website in 2010, there has been a steady decline in attention to the EWG’s “Dirty Dozen” list.  While the list release previously enjoyed widespread national broadcast and print coverage, in 2013 that coverage was significantly reduced to only a few national stories and no national broadcast coverage at all. 

Recently, the AFF spoke at the Fresh Produce and Floral Council luncheon about the success of the initiative to provide moms and consumers everywhere the truth about the safety of the foods they serve to their families.  This presentation garnered media attention and it is obvious it struck a nerve with EWG .  So, they again resorted to attacking the messenger, but not the message.  We actually understand this approach since EWG can’t dispute (and never has)  the science and information we present to consumers about the safety of conventional and organic fruits and veggies.  Among some examples of the science presented on the safefruitsandveggies.com website:

1)      USDA’s Pesticide Data Program Report– EWG manipulates the data from this report to develop  their “Dirty Dozen” list.  But, the AFF urges consumers to just read the actual report itself.  In the report, USDA and EPA clearly state that pesticide residues are not a food safety concern.

2)      Pesticides in Perspectives– Developed by a toxicologist with the University of California, this report shows that consumers could literally eat hundreds to thousands of servings of a fruit or veggie a day and still not see any negative health effects from pesticide residues.

3)      Cancer Risk Benefits with Increased Produce Consumption– A peer reviewed paper which states that if one-half of Americans increased their consumption of a fruit and vegetable by a single serving, 20,000 cases of cancer could be prevented per year.

4)      Journal of Toxicology Article– This peer reviewed paper analyzed the “Dirty Dozen” list and found that EWG did not follow any established scientific procedures and that substitution of organic forms of the 12 commodities for conventional commodities does not result in any appreciable reduction of consumer risks.

5)      Expert Panel Report– A team of five scientists with expertise in the areas of nutrition, toxicology, pharmacology and medicine examined the Dirty Dozen list as well as regulatory systems in place to ensure the safety of the food supply.  The panel concluded that this list is misleading to consumers and should not be used when making shopping decisions.  The panel also concluded that the government’s process for evaluating the potential risks of pesticides on food is rigorous and health protective.

6)      Pesticide Usage Trend Report– This analysis examined pesticide use in California and found that farmers are transitioning to softer chemistries with 2 of the top 3 pesticides used in the state being approved for both organic and conventional farms.

Read, learn, choose but eat more organic and conventional produce for better health.

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that consumption of five servings of fruits and vegetables a day leads to a longer life.  The comprehensive research, conducted in Sweden, studied more than 71,000 people aged 45 to 83 for 13 years.  Among the key findings, eating fewer than five servings of fruit and vegetables each day is linked with a higher chance of dying early. Participants who ate at least one serving of fruit daily lived 19 months longer than those who never ate fruit, on average. And those who ate at least three servings of vegetables per day lived 32 months longer than people who reported not eating vegetables.

This Swedish study can be added to the decades of nutritional research that show the benefits of eating fruits and veggies on improved health.  Another important example is the recent peer reviewed study published in the Journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology which found that if half of Americans increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables by a single serving, 20,000 cancer cases could be prevented.  (It should be noted that most of these nutritional studies were conducted using conventionally grown produce.) 

This type of science based evidence is why the Alliance for Food and Farming joins with public health experts, the government, and environmental groups in encouraging consumption of all fruits and vegetables – organic and conventional.  Experts agree that both are grown safety and can be eaten with confidence.

Read, learn, choose but eat more conventional and organic produce and live longer!

Today, the Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF) launched a new food safety guide at www.safefruitsandveggies.com as part of National Farmers’ Market Week to provide consumers with information that can help them choose a vendor when shopping at a farmers’ market.

Many consumers who shop regularly at farmers’ markets have developed a list of their favorite vendors. But if this is a new shopping experience or if a consumer is exploring a market they haven’t visited before, the AFF’s new guide may help a shopper determine if the food is grown safely and responsibly. By asking just a few questions from the AFF’s guide, a consumer may also learn some interesting farming facts, which can add to the overall farmers’ market shopping experience.

These suggested food safety-focused questions by the AFF are similar to those asked by local grocery stores and restaurants of the farmers who supply their fruits and vegetables.  Farmers who sell to local grocery stores are subject to stringent government laws and regulations regarding food safety and pesticide usage which are verified through enforcement measures and federal and state product sampling programs.  Vendors selling at farmers’ markets may not be subject to the same scrutiny by a buying entity or the government, therefore shoppers may want to ask just a few of these questions to learn more about how the food is produced.

Shopping at a farmers’ markets is an enjoyable way to buy fruits and veggies and it also provides consumers with a wonderful opportunity to learn more about how that food is grown and connect with farmers.  We hope this new webpage helps more consumers create their own ‘favorite vendor’ list.

Read, learn, choose but eat more organic and conventional fruits and veggies for better health.

Click the image below to view the guide. 

Twenty thousand cancer cases could be prevented if half of all Americans increased their consumption of fruits and veggies by a single serving, according to a paper published in Food and Chemical Toxicology.  A peer reviewed Swedish study involving 71,000 people followed over a 13-year period showed that a higher consumption of fruits and veggies leads to a longer life.  These are compelling statistics.  However, this information is often overshadowed by inaccurate and scary safety statements like produce is “contaminated with pesticides exceptionally toxic to the nervous system” or there is “widespread pesticide contamination on popular fruits and vegetables.”

While media stories and blogs that carry these types of misleading and inaccurate statements are lessening, they still occur and serve as an undermining and negative influence on public health efforts to improve the diets of Americans.  This is why, on behalf of consumers as well as the conventional and organic farmers we represent, the Alliance staff personally reaches out to media and bloggers to provide science based information about the safety of all fruits and veggies.  With a few exceptions, this outreach is met positively with many from the media expressing appreciation for the content and information presented on safefruitsandveggies.com.

Throughout these outreach efforts, the Alliance is clear that we support consumption of both organic and conventional fruits and veggies – both are safe and we should all be eating more.  This support of consumer choice and reinforcing the safety of both growing methods is substantiated by the nutrition and toxicology studies as well as analyses of government regulatory systems and farming methods found on safefruitsandveggies.com. 

Much has been accomplished since the Alliance undertook this effort to provide consumers with truthful, science based information so that facts, not fear, guide healthy food choices.  But, there is still more to do and we will continue to advocate and educate on behalf of consumers and the farmers we proudly represent.

Read, learn, choose but eat more fruits and veggies for better health. 

Study after study continues to confirm the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables.  This week, a new study was released from the Harvard School of Public Health where researchers found an association between eating at least two servings of fruit a week and having a 23 percent lower risk of Type 2 diabetes.   Blueberries, grapes and apples seemed to be especially linked with the reduced diabetes risk.  Prunes, apricots, peaches, raisins, bananas, oranges, strawberries and grapefruit were also included in the study.

This is more good news for consumers since the fruits included in the research are popular, plentiful and often kids’ favorites.  It also seems to illustrate the nutritional punch of these healthy foods. 

The study findings further support the Alliance for Food and Farming’s message to consumers – choose either organic or conventional fruits and veggies but choose to eat more.  Both are safe and eating a diet rich in fruits and veggies is always the right choice for improved health and a longer life.

Yesterday, First Lady Michelle Obama held a meeting with food companies, media, consumer groups and academics to discuss the impact of marketing unhealthy foods to kids.  In addition to encouraging a decrease in advertising and marketing of “junk foods,” Mrs. Obama repeatedly urged members of the audience to encourage healthy eating among children.   At one point, Mrs. Obama told her audience that “If anyone can get kids to eat their vegetables, it’s you.”

But, at the Alliance, we see something else that needs to change in order to increase consumption – activist groups need to cease inaccurately portraying conventionally grown fruits and veggies as unsafe.  The repeated unfair disparagement of these healthy foods that is often carried in the media directly undermines the efforts by the First Lady and health officials everywhere to get people to eat more fruits and vegetables. 

While efforts  to reduce advertising of unhealthy foods to kids continues, how about encouraging activist groups and marketers to stop calling the fruits and veggies that kids love “dirty” or stating that they are “full of poisons.”  This type of messaging is simply ridiculous, lacks scientific credibility and is unfairly scaring moms who are trying to feed their kids a healthy diet.

The government, health officials, scientists and environmental groups agree that conventionally grown produce is nutritious and safe to eat.  So, let’s drop the scary safety messaging.  Instead, we ask these activist groups to use their considerable resources and join with the Alliance and others to promote this message:  “Choose either conventionally or organically grown fruits and veggies.  Both are very safe and we should all be eating more for improved health.”  Plagiarizing the words of Mrs. Obama, “if anyone can help get kids to eat their fruits and veggies – it’s you.”

A new study from Colorado State University (CSU) shows that consumers continue to have concerns about the safety of conventionally grown produce and the government regulatory processes in place to protect public health.  Among other findings, the study showed that:  “A distrust in regulatory oversight is a key trigger in the valuation for local and organic.”  And, consumers generally agreed with the statement that “eating organic lowers health risks.” 

These findings are concerning since the body of nutrition science clearly shows that increased consumption of either conventional or organic fruits and veggies results in better overall health and a longer life.  Toxicological analyses also overwhelmingly show the safety of conventional produce – just look at the calculator function and accompanying report on safefruitsandveggies.com as an example. And, the perception that conventional produce is somehow inferior and less safe could have a negative impact on consumption, especially among lower income consumers who may not be able to afford the organic alternative.

Further, the Expert Panel report commissioned by the Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF) in 2010 examined the U.S. regulatory system in place to ensure food safety.  The panel found: “The U.S. EPA’s current process for evaluating the potential risks of pesticides on food is rigorous and health protective. The EPA’s testing requirements for pesticides used on food are far more extensive than for chemicals in any other use category, and include testing targeted specifically to assess the potential risks to fetuses, infants and children.” 

It is also noteworthy that the activist organization, Environmental Working Group, recently held up the U.S. regulatory system governing the approval and use of pesticides as an example.  EWG’s Executive Director Heather White stated in an August 29 blog post that: “Industry should be required to show that the chemicals that people are exposed to are safe and pose ‘a reasonable certainty of no harm’ to health and the environment – especially to kids. The pesticide industry has been using this very safety standard for nearly 20 years. And pesticide makers are still in business even though they must demonstrate a reasonable certainty of no harm.”

The CSU study findings underscore that consumers need more science based, factual information about the safety of all produce.  It is timely that the AFF is in the process of updating and expanding the Safety Standards section of the safefruitsandveggies.com website which describes the regulatory systems in place to ensure the safety of organic and conventional pesticides.  The new site will be launched in January and will be a useful and unique resource for consumers who want to learn more about produce safety.

Read, learn, choose but eat more conventional and organic fruits and veggies for better health.

“One of these things is not like the other, one of these just doesn’t belong. Can you tell which thing is not like the others by the time I finish my song?”

That song leads into Sesame Street segments where kids are asked to identify what items are similar and what item is different?  In our scenario, Sesame Street, Michelle Obama and the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) are in the “similar” category.  Each of them want to see children increase their consumption of healthy fruits and veggies and have announced a new initiative that will allow the placement of Sesame Street characters on produce free of charge – that’s right - no licensing fees.  Sesame Street cannot estimate how much revenue will be lost by waiving the licensing fees, but they are willing to put revenues aside to promote healthy eating habits among children. 

Dr. Oz gets placed in the “not like the others” category.  This week he aired yet another segment that did nothing but generate misguided fear among its viewers, especially moms, about the safety of fruits and veggies. The segment was sprinkled with scary quotes about “chemical cocktails” and “pesticide load.” Dr. Oz professes to care about the health of Americans, but fear sells so he puts ratings and profits over promoting healthy diets every time.

But we’re betting that Sesame Street, the First Lady and PMA’s new initiative offsets misguided, negative safety perceptions generated by the Dr. Oz Show and others.  According to a White House statement, “Sesame Workshop is taking an unprecedented step of enabling produce companies to use the power of their characters to encourage children to eat more fruits and vegetables. In a recent study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, the number of children who chose apples over cookies nearly doubled when an Elmo sticker was placed on the apple. Popular characters can play a strong role in influencing kids’ food choices and this commitment aims to influence healthy choices.”

This initiative is crucial since studies show kids younger than five don't eat enough fruits and vegetables, and that it gets worse as children grow up.  And, who better than the very popular Elmo and Big Bird to help change that trend.  As Elmo says, “"Elmo loves healthy foods. Elmo thinks that fruits and vegetables are delicious."  Yes, we’ll take a spokesperson like Elmo and his Sesame Street friends over Dr. Oz any day.

Read, learn, choose but eat more organic and conventional fruits and vegetables for improved health and a longer life.

Despite his segment last week about pesticide residues which was clearly designed to scare viewers and raise produce safety concerns, Dr. Oz’s own viewpoint regarding consumption of conventionally grown produce appears to agree with health experts everywhere who recommend consuming more of either conventionally or organically grown produce for improved health.

Following the airing of the segment “What the Food Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know,” the Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF) reached out to the Dr. Oz Show for clarification on the doctor’s recommendation for consumers.  Our main question in the outreach concerned a Time Magazine editorial by Dr. Oz which ran a year ago and seemed to be in direct contrast with the content from last week’s show (and previous shows).  Among Dr. Oz’s statements in Time:

“After several years of research and experience, I have come to an encouraging conclusion: the American food supply is abundant, nutritionally sound, affordable and, with a few simple considerations, comparable to the most elite organic diets. Save the cash; the 99% diet can be good for you.”

So the AFF asked the show’s spokesperson to please clarify Dr. Oz’s position – The answer:  The Time Magazine editorial represents the doctor's viewpoint.

In fact, Tim Sullivan, Director of Publicity for the Dr. Oz Show stated that after reading the Time Magazine story “there should be no remaining questions” and “Dr. Oz is long on the record with his position on fruits and vegetables in one's diet, there is no ambiguity.” Pretty definitive, but also frustrating.  Why Dr. Oz and organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) continue to promote and carry inaccurate, fear-based messaging that even they don’t truly believe is a looming question. (EWG has confirmed that they believe conventionally grown produce is safe to eat.)

At the AFF, we won’t speculate on why they do it because the result is the same – unfairly disparaging our farmers’ products undermines the work of health experts everywhere to improve the diets of Americans and increase consumption of fruits and veggies.  And, we will continue to inform consumers about what Dr. Oz and EWG have stated on the record when the AFF has pushed for answers because consumers deserve truthful, fact based information about the safety of conventional and organic fruits and veggies.  

Read, learn, choose, but eat more conventional and organic produce for better health and a longer life.

The AFF has recently reposted on our Facebook page the videos of farmers describing how they control pests and diseases on their organic and conventional fruit and vegetable farms.  These videos clearly show the scientific and technical knowledge that goes into making each and every pest and disease control decision.

The reposting of the videos is in response to increasing consumer questions and comments about how and why pesticides are used on farms.  More specifically, how organic pesticides are used and regulated.  While these farmer videos help answer some of those questions and concerns, it has become clear that more regulatory information about conventional and organic pesticides is needed which can be easily accessed by consumers.

As the Alliance continues to work to provide credible food safety information to consumers, we hope to fill this information void so that consumers of organic and conventional fruits and vegetables are reassured about the safety of both.  In the meantime, we hope that our blog readers will also take a moment to watch these farmer videos to see firsthand the care taken to provide safe food for families everywhere.  

Three major new studies were announced today that question the benefits of taking vitamin supplements.  The studies found that taking vitamins every day did not prevent disease or cognitive decline.  The recommendation by the one of the study authors, Dr. Edgar Miller, professor of medicine and epidemiology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore:

“What will protect you is if you spend the money on fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, low fat dairy, things like that ..exercising would probably be a better use of the money.”

While the debate about the effectiveness of taking vitamins will continue, there is not debate within the medical or nutrition community about the benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.  There are literally decades of research showing that eating enough fruits and veggies each day improves health and prevents diseases – these studies were largely conducted using conventionally grown produce.  As an example, a recent peer reviewed study showed that if half of all Americans increased their consumption of fruits and veggies by a single serving, 20,000 cancer cases could be prevented annually. 

So choose either conventional or organic fruits and veggies, but eat more every day for better health and a longer life.  And, if you still want to continue taking a vitamin supplement with your breakfast, just remember to add some fruit to your meal to ensure a nutritious start to your day.

Various media reports last week in Canada focused on the fact that 45.8 percent of organic fruit and vegetable samples tested by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency were positive for some trace levels of pesticide residues.  These findings resulted in surprise and raised concerns among organic consumers despite the Canadian government’s assurances that these organic products are very safe.  Some examples of consumer statements:

“It might sway me and make me think twice about trusting the word organic.”

“I would hope that the products are without pesticides. That is what I would be looking for."

“That would encourage me to get to know local farmers more and more, get to know the community-supported agriculture in each neighbourhood.

In additional food safety news, the University of Florida released a new survey concerning consumer attitudes about food related issues.  Among the findings, 94% of consumers in that state said they were concerned about residues.  Ninety-Four percent!

At the Alliance for Food and Farming, we have been concerned for awhile that the continued and constant misinformation about pesticide residues by activist groups and marketers could inadvertently “move” to organically grown produce as consumers learn more about those growing systems. 

The facts are that organic production does include the use of pesticides as a last resort to control pests and diseases.  The facts are that the approval and use of organic pesticides are heavily regulated.  The facts are that any residues found on organic and conventional produce are at very minute levels and, according to both Canadian and U.S. government agencies, do not pose a food safety concern.  The facts are that both organic and conventional produce are very safe and can be eaten with confidence.  The facts are that health experts agree that we should all be eating more fruits and veggies every day for better health.

It is timely that this month the AFF will launch a new, comprehensive webpage which focuses on U.S. regulatory systems in place to ensure the safe use of pesticides by organic fruit and vegetable farmers.  This new site is unique in that it encompasses all the organic pesticide regulations in one place so that consumers, the media and others can easily access this information.  This new section advances the AFF’s goal of providing science based, factual information and will reassure consumers about the safety of all fruits and vegetables.

The AFF also asks activist groups who repeatedly perpetuate fear-based messaging about residues to again rethink this strategy. This misleading and inaccurate messaging is not only detrimental to consumers but to organic and conventional farmers who work hard every day to deliver healthy products to families.  The goal should be that 94% of consumers say they are eating more fruits and veggies than ever, not that they are hesitant or scared to consume them. 

As we continue with our goal to provide credible food safety information to consumers, the Alliance for Food and Farming has launched a new webpage which provides information about the laws and regulations governing the safe use of organically approved pesticides on fruit and vegetable farms.  While this regulatory information is readily available for conventionally approved pesticides, there is not a common site for organic pesticides where concise information is easily accessible.

The need for this new webpage has become increasingly apparent as the AFF continues to receive more consumer questions about the use of organic pesticides and residues on organic produce. The new webpage will feature an outline of the federal regulatory standards in place for organic pesticides, the process for approving the use of organic pesticides and measures in place to protect consumers who enjoy organic produce. 

Since 2010, the AFF has worked to provide information to consumers to correct common misconceptions about pesticide residues and to communicate that both organic and conventional growing methods provide safe and healthy fruits and vegetables for consumers and their families.  This new webpage reflects our continued commitment to achieve that goal.  And, by removing fear and uncertainty through increased, accessible and credible food safety information, we hope to help consumers make the right choice for their families as well as encourage increased consumption of fruits and veggies. 

Read, learn, choose but eat more conventional and organic fruits and veggies for better health.

Last week, the Alliance for Food and Farming launched a new web section which outlines the stringent regulations governing the approval and use of organic pesticides.  Included in this new section is an  interview with Brian Leahy, Director, California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CPPR).  Leahy is a former organic farmer who is charged with overseeing the safe use of pesticides in the state.  California is unique in that pesticides approved at the federal level by the Environmental Protection Agency must then go through another review process by CDPR before they can be used in the state.

Leahy’s interview is candid and pragmatic.  He states that pesticides are an important tool to grow food, protect public health and the environment.  However, Leahy is a strong advocate for the use of integrated pest management (IPM) which relies on a combination of pest and disease control strategies,  choosing “softer” pesticides and only using pesticides as a last resort.  These strategies are something most fruit and vegetable farmers are implementing.  In fact, an analysis conducted by a former CDPR director and commissioned by the AFF found that two of the top three pesticides used in California are approved for use on both organic and conventional farms. 

Leahy also reiterates what EPA, FDA and USDA have stated repeatedly, that sampling data shows that most fruits and vegetables have no detectable pesticide residues and that residues do not pose a food safety concern. 

If you haven’t read the interview with Director Leahy, we urge you to take a few minutes to review it.  As a former farmer himself and now a regulator of pesticides, his perspective is unique and important.

Read, learn, choose but eat more organic and conventional fruits and vegetables for better health. 

Last week Slate Magazine published an in-depth article which presented science based information on why parents can feed their kids conventional produce with confidence.  The article concluded that:   “What all this means for parents is that we should stop worrying so much about whether the apples we buy are organic or conventional—we should just start giving our kids more apples.” This conclusion is strongly supported by health experts, scientists, environmental groups and the First Lady. 

The Slate article featured peer reviewed papers, government data, interviews with scientists and provided information that may help consumers make better shopping choices for themselves and their families.   But once again there were numerous negative comments and social media discussions in response to the content.  We have seen this type of response and controversy before and it seems to continue despite general agreement about the safety of organic and conventional produce and that common fear based misconceptions about produce safety can discourage healthier eating. 

Some examples:

“EWG believes organic and conventional produce is safe to eat.”Alex Formuzis, Environmental Working Group, Huffington Post

“Completely agree - fear not useful. Informed choices can minimize risk to kids & help build healthier food system.”  Kristin Schafer, Pesticide Action Network, Twitter Post.

 “If you don’t feed your kid the ‘right strawberry,’ what do you feed him?” I’ve walked into markets with a hungry kid and been so afraid to buy the conventional apple that I’ve gotten him a snack pack of Annie’s Crackers instead. And I know there are parents who buy the Peter Rabbit Organics Fruit Pouches at Starbucks because they don’t know whether the bananas on display are organic. These aren't smart moves. It is far, far better for your kids’ long-term health to get them in the habit of eating whole fruits and vegetables, regardless of what type of farm they came from, than to give them pretty much anything else to eat, no matter how organic or all-natural it may be.” University of Michigan Decision Psychologist Brian Zikmund-Fisher, Excerpt from Slate Magazine article.

So there is general agreement that the presentation of science based information to consumers is a positive thing, that generating misguided fears about residues is detrimental to efforts to increase daily consumption of fruits and veggies for better health, and that both organic and conventional produce is safe and we should all be eating more.  It seems on the issues of most importance for consumers, there is more agreement than controversy. 

Read, learn, choose but eat more organic and conventional fruits and veggies for better health and a longer life.

Many activist groups often try to label foods and farms “good” or “bad” simply based on production systems.  Organic always being “good” and conventional always labeled as “bad.”  Now this discussion is moving to identifying “good” pesticides versus “bad” pesticides.  An example of this good/bad positioning comes from one activist group’s recent blog which states:

“Moreover, in terms of the risk to children’s health, there’s a significant difference between the naturally derived pesticides used in organic farming and the synthetic ones employed by conventional farmers.” Environmental Working Group

And

“Organic farmers turn to the few approved pesticides as a last resort when battling weeds and insects, unlike conventional operations that lay down multiple applications throughout the entire growing process.” Environmental Working Group

Makes one scratch their head doesn’t it?  Because as most directly involved with fruit and vegetable farming know, there are many more similarities in organic and conventional production systems than differences. Both conventional and organic farmers only use pesticides as a last resort and as part of a comprehensive pest and disease control system, commonly referred to as integrated pest management.  And they often choose to use the exact same pesticides.  Case in point, an analysis commissioned by the Alliance for Food and Farming showed that two of the top three pesticides used in California are approved for use on both organic and conventional farms.  And, a quick review of the “Ask the Expert” videos at safefruitsandveggies.com featuring real farmers talking about disease and pest control will illustrate the similarities in these production systems.

But, what are the activists doing by perpetuating this added (and inaccurate) messaging about pesticides?  What are they trying to achieve?  And, how much more confusing can it get for a mom trying to choose healthy foods for her family? 

This is why the AFF provides science based information to consumers so that they can read, learn and then choose organic and/or conventional produce with confidence.  An example of this effort is the new organic and conventional pesticide section which outlines all the laws and regulations governing the approval and safe use of these tools for both farming systems.  The new section also features a Q&A with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation Director Brian Leahy – a former organic farmer – who addresses why pesticides are used and how they are regulated to ensure food safety.

In the convoluted food world where consumers are continually bombarded with often contrary information, there is one recommendation that has widespread agreement among health experts, the government and environmental and activist groups:  Conventional and organic produce is safe and we should all be eating more every day for improved health and a longer life.  This is a pretty simple message which should be clearly communicated to consumers if we want to improve diets and public health. 

So after agreeing with that message and even carrying it, why do activists continue to undermine it and add confusion with statements about “dirty” versus “clean” produce, “good” farms versus “bad” farms and now pesticides that are safe to use versus those that are not?  It defies science and reason. Moreover, it is a very slippery slope that is detrimental to consumers as well as farmers – no matter what the production system.