Do pesticide residues in food matter? Arent the levels found in food too low to worry about? Why does New Zealands dirty dozen research (food more likely to contain pesticide residues) not mention levels of residues? Questions asked recently. Government scientists assume that pesticides below a certain level in each item of food are safe, but we contend that this calculation of the acceptable risk is grossly underestimated, especially when we consider susceptible groups in a population, such as the foetus in the womb, young children, people whose immune system is suppressed... No safe level has been scientifically established for carcinogenic and endocrine disruptive substances for example. This means that it doesnt matter how tiny the amount, it could have an adverse effect. With endocrine disruptors, of which several are found in our food supply, it is a question of timing rather than dosage. At international forums when pesticides and additives are discussed, valid scientific concerns with questionable substances are not usually dealt with in a timely manner because countries cant always agree, especially when the interests of manufacturers and users are considered more important than public health concerns. There are many other concerns about this assumption that a little bit of a pesticide wont hurt us. While we wait for governments and international agencies to act, we can take active steps to lower our exposure to toxins by eating organic food. Moreoever we can support a system that doesnt pollute the environment and treats animals more humanely. You can read further about which foods in NZ are more likely to contain pesticides and why we should make an effort to buy organic in the link below. safefood.org.nz/dirtydozen2013.php
Posted on: Sun, 19 Oct 2014 09:08:29 +0000
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