California has more positive produce safety news for consumers.  Like it’s federal counterparts at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR)  annually tests fruits and vegetables to ensure their safety for consumers.

California’s findings released this month are consistent and stunningly similar to FDA and USDA results:  97% of fresh produce tested had no residues or residues well below health-protective thresholds set by the federal government.

Like USDA and FDA, special emphasis is given by CDPR to the types of produce commonly consumed by children.

With state and federal government sampling data programs repeatedly verifying the high level of safety of fruits and vegetables and the exceptional compliance among farmers with laws and regulations governing pesticide use, consumers should be reassured that they can buy and consume organic and conventional produce with confidence.

Unfortunately, certain groups often manipulate the government data and these very positive results to somehow create their own “reports” designed to scare consumers away from popular and more affordable and accessible fruits and vegetables.

This is why the Alliance for Food and Farming urges media and consumers to read the actual and real sampling data results from USDA, FDA and CDPR.  Why is it so important to avoid data manipulations and misinformation?  Because peer reviewed research and surveys consistently find that fear is becoming a potential barrier to consumption of these healthy foods.

In fact, a survey from the International Food Information Council (IFIC) released last month found that 60% of respondents stated that they did not consume certain foods due to concerns about residues. For the people who say they have avoided food because of pesticide concerns, 71% report that they avoided vegetables and 59% avoided fruits, according to IFIC’s survey.

“Fruits and vegetables provide abundant antioxidants that protect our bodies by building healthy cells. Therefore, I find it hard to understand why anyone would discourage people from eating something so incredibly nutritious such as fruits and vegetables, which can lower the risk of chronic disease. That’s why my top advice will always be: Eat your fruits and veggies,” says Dr. Sylvia Klinger, DBA, MS, RD, founder of Hispanic Food Communications who serves on the AFF’s Management Board.

With only one in 10 of Americans eating enough fruits and vegetable each day, it is important to provide credible, science-based safety information so consumers can make the right shopping choices for themselves and their families.

Read, learn, choose but don’t let anyone or any group discourage you from eating the produce you love and enjoy.