Pesticides in Organic Food
December 20, 2004
The Soil and Health Association of New Zealand is
recommending certified organic produce, juices and wine
for this seasons festivities as the most pesticide free
start to 2005.
The recent report by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority
(NZFSA) suggesting pesticide residues in 22% of organic
foods was flawed and as yet unsubstantiated say Soil
& Health.
However, the far wider sampling of conventionally produced
foods showed 42% with residues.
Last weeks Close-up @ 7 program on pesticides in organic
foods has confused consumers and growers alike with
many thinking 20% of organic products were contaminated
said Steffan Browning, Soil & Health spokesperson,
adding that this is unlikely to be the case.
While Soil & Health welcome the Commerce Commission
investigation of apparent misrepresentation, Mr Browning
asks why this has taken so long? Until completed, we
do not know who is implicated.
More than half of the samples concerned were collected
over a year ago and the rest 9 months ago, and yet consumers
and growers are left in the dark.
The organic sector is based on integrity, has excellent
standards and certification schemes and can correct
any shortcomings if given the chance.
Just because NZFSA is not concerned about low level
residues, should not mean the organic sector has to
wait to further improve its already superior record,
said Soil & Health’s Steffan Browning.
9 organic wines were tested and came back 100% squeaky
clean, but of 24 conventional wines tested, more than
half contained residues.
Of 6 organic potato samples, none had residues, but
of 43 conventional samples 10 contained residues.
The problems with apparent residues in some organic
tomatoes can be rectified with full information. Samples
were taken from a range of sources, but who the growers
or retailers were and whether the samples were labeled
conventional in an organic shop, sprayfree or certified
organic, remains unclear.
2005 will bring increased testing and further assurances
of certified organics justified high reputation among
organic consumers, who, according to Soil & Health
generally have a good understanding of organic labels
already, with New Zealand organic certifiers, Bio-Gro,
Organic Farm NZ and Demeter all filling important niches.
Source:www.scoop.co.nz
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