[ad_1]
The list of fruit and vegetable items with the highest pesticide residues published each year includes kale this year – the first time in 10 years that so-called leafy green has been on the list.
Strawberries and spinach top the list, while kale comes in third.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) bases its list on annual reports published by the United States Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Data Program. It ranks the items that produce the most pesticide residues and includes the "Clean Fifteen" list containing the least amount of contaminants.
In the USDA tests, more than 92% of conventionally grown kale samples had at least two or more pesticide residues. Some had residues of 18 different pesticides.
Nearly 60% of kale samples were tested positive for DCPA, or Dacthal, which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has long categorized as a possible carcinogen to humans. The use of this pesticide on crops has been banned in the European Union since 2009. In recent kale badessments undertaken by the working groups, in grocery stores, two out of eight residues contained residues of Dacthal similar to the levels reported by the USDA.
"We were surprised that kale contains so many pesticides, but the test results were unequivocal," Alexis Temkin, PhD, toxicologist for the eWG, said in a statement. "Fruits and vegetables are an important part of everyone's diet, and with conventional products such as kale, choosing organic products may be a better option."
Kale has not been included in the usual USDA tests despite its popularity in recent years. The last year in which it was ranked based on test data dates back to 2009, when it ranked eighth on the 2009 Dirty Dozen list.
Recent tests commissioned by the GTE on kale in grocery stores revealed that in two out of eight samples, Dacthal residues were comparable to the average level reported by the USDA.
According to federal standards, over 99% of product samples tested had acceptable levels of pesticide residues. The eWG states that federal standards are insufficient. The eWG states that nearly 70% of conventionally grown products sold in the United States contain pesticide residues.
The USDA tests revealed 225 different pesticides on popular fruits and vegetables after washing them.
The American Public Health Council of the American Academy of Pediatrics encourages the limitation of children's exposure to pesticides, because exposure during pregnancy and infancy may increase the risk of brain tumors, leukemia, disorders neurodevelopment and other adverse outcomes of birth.
"Even low levels of pesticide exposure can be harmful to children," said Dr. Philip Landrigan, world-renowned pediatrician and epidemiologist, in a statement from the electronic working group. "As much as possible, parents and educators should take steps to reduce children's exposure to pesticides while providing them with a diet rich in healthy fruits and vegetables."
Tamika Sims, PhD, director of food technology communications at the International Council of Food Information Council (Food Information Council), said she was not surprised popular children's treats, such as strawberries, apples and grapes. on the Dirty Dozen list.
"This tactic is used to send parents into an unnecessary frenzy, "Sims told Healthline.
Sims said the pesticide levels were safe for conventional and organic kale.
"Potential residues on one or the other type of product are in minute quantities that are not related to any adverse health effects," Sims said. She explained that the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service had issued reports confirming that pesticide residues in food in foods were generally at levels below the tolerances established by the EPA. As such, they do not pose a security problem, added Sims.
California-based nutritionist Sharon Palmer, RDN, told Healthline that the "badtail effect" of the combination of pesticides on human health was not well understood.
"Although we do not know enough about the impact of pesticides on human health, some studies suggest that there may be risks," she said. "But the most important thing is to eat more fruits and vegetables … point! There is no debate about the health benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables – conventionally grown, organically grown, frozen, canned – all forms. "
"The Dirty Dozen list is intended to guide consumers on products to buy in organic form if they are concerned about pesticide residues," added Palmer.
The Sims advised washing the products with water and said it was enough to make the products safe.
Stephanie McKercher, a licensed dietitian based in Colorado, encourages consumers to buy organic products from Dirty Dozen's list as soon as they can, but said that conventional products were still a good choice.
"Buying organic products is not available to everyone and that's good," McKercher told Healthline.
She hopes the list will not dissuade people from enjoying fruits and vegetables, especially kale.
"Kale may be on the Dirty Dozen list, but it's still an incredibly healthy food," she said. "Kale is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber stimulating the bowel."
"In the end, my recommendation is to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whether or not they are on the Dirty Dozen list," said McKercher.
"Keep eating kale," said Palmer. "It might be a good idea to buy it in its organic form or from a local farmer in your market where you trust. Better yet – just push it yourself. It is a very easy vegetable to grow in a very small space – you can harvest leaves, and it keeps growing, so that some plants can feed you for a long time. "
Source link
