Packer Insight — We dispute the Dirty Dozen!
Packer Insight - Our annual rebuttal of the Dirty Dozen
Editor Greg Johnson and staff writer Ashley Nickle deliver a rebuttal of the Environmental Working Group's annual Dirty Dozen list that disparages fresh fruits and vegetables.
With its yearly report, the EWG raises the alarm on pesticide residue levels that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states are safe. More than 99% of the produce samples tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture meet that standard.
The EPA explains on its website that the vast majority of residues are miniscule and not a reason for worry.
"Very small amounts of pesticides that may remain in or on fruits, vegetables, grains and other foods decrease considerably as crops are harvested, transported, exposed to light, washed, prepared and cooked," the organization stated on its Food and Pesticides page. "The presence of a detectable pesticide residue does not mean the residue is at an unsafe level. USDA’s Pesticide Data Program (PDP) detects residues at levels far lower than those that are considered health risks."
The EWG rejects the standards of the EPA and instead tells consumers to buy organic all the items on its Dirty Dozen list.
What are your thoughts on this annual report?
