Responding to the Dirty Dozen

Responding to the Dirty Dozen. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Fruit Grower Report.

The Environmental Working Group recently released its annual ‘Dirty Dozen' list of fruits and vegetables. EWG used USDA data from 700 apples sampled and while pesticide residues could be detected, all results were below EPA established minimums. But that would not make a good story. USApple immediately countered by telling consumers they can be confident in apples. Mark Gedris is the Director, Membership & Communications for USApple.

GEDRIS: We feel that the list that is put out doesn’t pay attention to those actual levels and simply states that those residues were detected. We feel that there’s far greater risk to ones health from not eating fruits and vegetables than from any theoretical risk that may be posed by consuming these trace amounts of pesticide residues and for organizations to go out and scare people from eating them is irresponsible.

USApple immediately released their own list, 12 Healthy Reasons to Eat an Apple a Day. Gedris says USApple supports responsible, research-based reporting so that consumers can get the best health and wellness advice that they deserve. Reporting on lists that encourage consumers to unfairly stay away from their healthy favorites, makes the process of getting Americans to eat better, that much more difficult.

That’s today’s Fruit Grower Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.