Pesticide build-up in supermarket food - Report of the U.K. Pesticide Safety Directorate - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Eurofood,  August 30, 2001  

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Over 40% of everyday food products contain pesticide residues, 14% of which contain multiple residues, according to the latest government report published by the UK's Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD).

Apples and pears are the most likely to have residues at 72% and 81% respectively. 66% of carrots had detectable residues of chlorfenvinphos, an organophosphorous insecticide recently banned by the Co-op supermarket chain.

Patrick Holden, director of the Soil Association (SA) said, "These results are a stark reminder that as long as pesticides are routinely used in intensive farming systems, residues will continue to get into the food chain and it appears to be getting worse. We still don't know enough about the `cocktail' effect of pesticide residues and how this may affect our future health."

Organic products were also tested and revealed that only three samples showed traces of pesticides at very low levels. These were identified in organic baby food, two of which were manufactured by Organix Brands.

A thorough six-month investigation into the cause of contamination in these products has been undertaken by the company and SA Cert Ltd., the wholly-owned certification body of the Soil Association.

Holden commented, "Although it pales into insignificance compared to the shocking incidence in non-organic food, the residues found in organic baby food are of grave concern."

"We are satisfied that (Organix Brands) have done everything in their power to trace the potential source of contamination and to prevent it happening again."

"It is now up to the organic regulators to ensure organic standards can be strengthened further by a greater emphasis on identification, separation and traceability."

M&S, SOMERFIELD WORST FOR PESTCIDES

Researchers have found that almost half of the conventional fruit and vegetables sold in British supermarkets over the past three years contained pesticide residues.

Surprisingly, given its upmarket and organic credentials, Marks & Spencer (M&S) was found to be the worst offender, with 63% of its fruit and vegetables containing pesticide residues. Second in line was Somerfield with 59%. Organic supporter Waitrose had the lowest incidence at 29%.

While samples did not show pesticide levels above legal limits, experts suspect there may be a threat to health from long-term accumulation of the chemicals in the body.

RESIDUES VARIED

Residues varied according to the type of food. There were no residues found in garlic, Chinese cabbage, sweetcorn or swedes in any of the supermarkets.

By contrast, some of the highest residues were found in celery, grapes, oranges, strawberries, pears, lettuce and apples. M&S head of food technology, David Gregory, said, "We are determined to reduce pesticide use. Last autumn we embarked on a fundamental review of our approach to pesticide use."

Sandra Bell of Friends of the Earth (FOE), responded, "It's high time all the supermarkets backed their claims about getting pesticides out of food with some action."

COPYRIGHT 2001 Agra Europe Ltd.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group