Colorado State University Extension
SafeFood Rapid Response Network


SAFEFOOD NEWS - Spring 1998 - Vol 2 / No. 3

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Pesticides: Information for the Consumer

Some of you have had the opportunity to review the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) draft brochure entitled "Pesticides on Food: Consumer Information." The brochure is designed to increase the public's right to know about pesticides and food. The EPA is required to have the final brochure available to grocery stores by August 3, 1998.

As we approach the August 3 deadline and visualize the phones ringing and questions formulating, consider the following:

• Review the draft brochure, which is available at www.epa.gov/oppfead1/cb/csb_page/Brochu re/index.htm. Even though this is in draft form, the content may not change because the deadline is rapidly approaching and the EPA will have the opportunity to update the brochure on an annual basis. This will give you an opportunity to become familiar with the content.
• Note that the only requirement is for the EPA to make the brochure available to grocery stores. The grocery stores have the option not to display the brochure. Depending on the stores' review, the decision to display may hinge on their perceptions of how consumers will receive the information and how the brochure will influence purchase of their products (pro or con). It is possible that the brochure may be placed in some grocery stores while not in others depending on clientele and products sold.
• Emphasize the standards the EPA follows to minimize the risk pesticides may pose. For example, the EPA establishes a reference dose (RfD) for each pesticide it approves for use. In setting RfDs, the EPA reviews animal studies to project the maximum amount of a pesticide residue a person could consume daily during a 70- year life span without suffering any ill effects. The RfD includes a 10- to 10,000- fold safety factor to protect humans, including infants, children, and other special populations.
• Tips to reduce pesticides on foods. The draft brochure contains a section that addresses four ways to reduce pesticides on foods Washing: Wash and scrub all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water; Peel and Trimming: Peel fruits and vegetables when possible to remove wax, dirt, and pesticides; Cooking: Cook or bake foods to decrease pesticide residues; and Buy "Organic" Food.

Sandra McDonald, Environmental and Pesticide Education Specialist at CSU, had some very important comments about the section discussing tips to reduce pesticides on foods. Sandra mentioned that while washing fruits and vegetables may help reduce pesticide residue, it is also important to emphasize that by the time we purchase produce the amount of pesticide residue which may be present is minute. Washing is recommended mainly to help decrease the amount of bacteria and therefore minimize the risk to foodborne illness. There is also some question as to the research and/or literature available to confirm that cooking can decrease pesticide residues. And finally, while "organic" foods may be lower in pesticide residues, there is no assurance as to what "organic" means until a federal "organic" definition is adopted. What it doesn't mean is "free of bacteria!"

The following resources may be useful when helping others understand the use and presence of pesticides on food:

• Consumer's Guide to Pesticides and Food Safety. This brochure by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) can be found at the following URL: http://ificinfo.health.org/brochure/cgfs&p.htm
• National Pesticide Telecommunications Network's toll-free hotline at 1-800-858-7378, 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Eastern time, M-F.
• Key contacts in Colorado: Pat Kendall, Food Science and Nutrition Extension Specialist, Interim Head, CSU Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. 970-491-7334
  Sandra McDonald, Environmental and Pesticide Education Specialist, CSU Department of Bioagricultural Sciences and Pest Management. 970-491-6027

Sources: Pesticides on Food: Consumer Information, draft 3A, 1/7/98; Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, "How much are pesticides hurting your health?" Vol.14, No.2, April 1996; Conversation with Sandra McDonald.

Updated Monday, August 29, 2011