Some non-organic fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables are contaminated with concerning levels of pesticides, according to an investigation by Consumer Reports, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that provides product analyses and ratings.
Some of the highest levels of pesticides were found in products imported to the United States, according to the report released on Thursday (18). Sixty-five of the 100 samples of the most contaminated products were imported, with 52 of those samples coming from Mexico.
The majority of the highly contaminated imports were strawberries, typically of the frozen variety, according to the report. Because they grow close to the ground and are therefore more exposed to insects, strawberries often top the list of foods contaminated with insecticides.
What to do?
To avoid pesticides, the best option is to buy organic products, but since these foods tend to be much more expensive and are not always available, here are answers to common questions about other steps you can take.
Does washing remove pesticide residues?
Yes, some – but not all. Note that when the USDA tests for pesticides on a food item, it first washes and, in some cases, peels the food as a consumer would. Therefore, wash products thoroughly before eating them raw or cooking them. (Cooking can eliminate some pesticides, but washing the products is still crucial.) This means placing the products in cold water for 15 to 20 seconds. For lettuce or other greens, turn them upside down after washing to drain. Use a soft brush to scrub the outer skin of items like apples, carrots, and potatoes.
What about washing with special products?
There is no need for anything other than water. There is little evidence that special soaps remove pesticide residues. And the USDA does not use detergents or bleaches on any food it tests.
Does peeling or not eating skins help?
For items that are not always peeled but can be – like apples, potatoes, and carrots – peeling them will likely remove some residues, but not all. This is because some pesticides are systemic, meaning they are absorbed by the plant. Peeling can also have a downside, as skins contain healthy fibers and other nutrients.
Are canned or frozen versions better or worse?
Canned tomatoes, for example, scored better than fresh ones in evaluations, but frozen strawberries posed a higher risk than fresh ones. Therefore, it cannot be said with certainty that one form is safer than others when it comes to pesticides.
Is ‘pesticide-free’ the same as organic?
This claim is increasingly seen on some packaged products, but it does not mean that something is organic – for that, you need to look for the USDA Organic label. And “pesticide-free” is not a regulated term, so you cannot be sure exactly what it is telling you. On the other hand, you can be sure that items with the USDA Organic label have been grown according to national standards and only with minimal pesticide levels, if any.
Are products sold at local farmers’ markets safer?
Maybe, but locally grown does not necessarily mean organic. It doesn’t hurt to talk to the person selling the food about their farming practices, but a USDA organic certification is the best guarantee.
Source: CNN and The Guardian