Scare Tactics

Tis the season to scare consumers, at least as far as fresh produce is concerned. Once again consumers are being barraged with articles on the “ fresh produce dirty dozen”, or “filthy fifteen”. Before you panic and throw away all the fresh fruits and vegetables in your pantry take a deep breath, apply common sense, and then go ahead and enjoy those apples, strawberries, celery, potatoes, or peaches. Most conventionally grown fruits and vegetables have been exposed to pesticides during their growing season. That’s why consumers need to use common sense and wash all produce thoroughly before eating. The Environmental Working Group, (working for whom might be a good question), is fond of scare mongering articles pointing the finger of blame at conventional farmers for using pesticides to protect their crops from numerous pests, fungi, and molds. They then encourage consumers to buy all organic produce, which should also be washed thoroughly due to any manure, pests, fungi, or molds contacted during growing. If you want to buy organic, that’s fine, if you don’t, that’s okay too; you and your family won’t be “dead men walking”.