Not everyone is that lucky.
Naturally, I was excited when the Alliance for Food and Farming released their new report and website last week. As opposed to the “science” the Environmental Working Group (EWG) utilized when creating their Dirty Dozen list, this is real science conducted by real experts – nutritionists, toxicologists, and risk assessors – and they say that organic produce is no healthier or safer than conventionally grown produce.
At safefruitsandveggies.com, they offer the time tested truth that if you want to be healthier, the key is to eat more fruits and veggies. It doesn’t matter if they are organic or conventional because each offers the exact same nutritional content. In fact, the report criticizes the Dirty Dozen for making it harder for the American public to consume the proper amount of fruits and veggies each day because consumers are scared and confused about what is safe to purchase.
The report also says that my one-year-old would have to consume hundreds of servings of conventional fruits and veggies in a single day in order to have any measurable effect from pesticides. And that’s only if I don’t wash the produce because the FDA says that rinsing fruits and veggies under cold or warm water removes any traces of pesticides that might remain.
My thoughts? Let’s stick with common sense. If you want to be healthy, eat a balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables. Wash them before you eat them. Aren’t these the things that our mom’s and grandma’s taught us when we were growing up?
That’s certainly what I’m teaching my daughter.
*I did consider linking to the Dirty Dozen list so that you can see what it’s all about if you haven’t heard of it. Then, I read that the EWG says that buying organic as much as you can is not only better for you, but shows that you support decreased soil erosion, safer water supplies, and protecting wildlife. Since conventional farmers actually do some of these BETTER than organic and certainly are as conscious as organic farmers of all, I just couldn’t give them a link in my story. I hope you’ll understand.
ICGA/ICMB Communications Assistant
Great post, Becky. Moms have enough to worry about. When there's no need to worry then they should feel empowered to move that issue to the back of their mind. Use good old common sense. Wash your hands and your fruits and vegetables. Sanitize kitchen implements. Have faith in America's farmers and ranchers of all types and sizes. They are the best in the world, without a doubt.
ReplyDeleteSo many groups operate on spreading fear to the general public.Thanks for telling the true story!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this. We enjoy a good salad each evening in the summertime. In fact, our dentist wants my wife to not eat so much lettuce!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, all the negativity around tobacco yet I've been a smoker for 30years and healthy as an ox! Chemicals are safe otherwise the government wouldn't allow them.
ReplyDeleteGrace good to see that you agree.
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