A peer reviewed study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology examined the risk/benefit of consuming a diet rich in conventionally grown produce and pesticide residue exposure. That study concluded that if half of all Americans increased their consumption of a fruit and vegetable by a single serving each day, 20,000 cancer cases could be prevented annually.  The study further concluded that the overwhelming difference between benefit and risk estimates provides confidence that consumers should not be concerned about cancer risks from consuming conventionally grown fruits and vegetables.

A peer reviewed analysis published in the International Journal of Food Contamination concluded that dietary exposure to pesticides in the diet continue to be at levels far below those of health concern.  “Consumers should be encouraged to eat fruits, vegetables and grains and should not fear the low levels of pesticide residues found in such foods.”   This paper provided updated estimates of dietary exposure to pesticides in the U.S. using Total Diet Study findings on pesticide residues.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Federal Food and Drug Administration(FDA) sampling data consistently show that over 99% of produce have residue levels well below Environmental Protection Agency safety standards, if residues are present at all.

Toxicologists with the University of California’s Personal Chemical Exposure Program determined that a child could literally eat hundreds to thousands of servings of a fruit or veggie in a day and still not have any health effects from residues. Their analysis illustrates how remarkably low any detectable residues are on produce.

A peer reviewed study found that substitution of organic forms of produce for conventional forms does not result in a decrease in consumer risk because residue levels on conventional produce are so minute, if residues are present at all.

Still concerned about residues? Simply wash your fruits and veggies.  According to the FDA, washing is a healthful habit that often removes or eliminates any residues that may be present on organic and non-organic produce.

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