If you didn’t have the opportunity to join the live webinar, a recorded version of “The Public Health Impact of the ‘Dirty Dozen’ List” is now available at safefruitsandveggies.com. The one-hour webinar features Dr. Carl Winter, Extension Toxicologist Emeritus at the University of California, Davis, and Toby Amidor, Toby Amidor Nutrition, MS, RD, CDN, FAND.

Dr. Winter’s presentation focused on studies showing the “dirty dozen” list authors do not follow any established scientific procedures when creating their list.  Further, a peer reviewed analysis showed that the “Dirty Dozen” list’s recommendation to substitute organic produce for conventional does not result in any decrease in risk because residues on conventionally grown are already so low, if present at all.

Amidor discussed the negative impact of the “Dirty Dozen” list on consumers and explained that one study found that low income consumers were less likely to purchase any produce – organic or conventional – after hearing about this list.  Amidor also provided some tips for encouraging consumption of any and all produce – organic, conventional, local, ugly, homegrown – by reassuring consumers about their safety and healthiness.

While we are ever-hopeful that the list authors will rethink releasing this list due to its negative impact on consumers as well as its lack of scientific credibility, it is likely this group will continue with this tactic and we will see the 2021 list shortly.  This new webinar provides important information for media, nutrition communicators and consumers to consider prior to covering the “Dirty Dozen” list or referencing it when shopping for produce.

#NoMoreDirtyDozen, #FactsNotFears, #Eat More Produce