Washington (FNS) -- Controversy is contaminating the planned publication of a pesticide brochure the Federal government is developing for supermarkets.
Specifically, certain segments of the produce industry are protesting the Environmental Protection Agency brochure, saying it favors organic produce over conventional.
"We know of no information that suggests organically grown produce is safer than conventionally grown," said John Aguirre, vice president of government affairs for the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association in Alexandria, Va.
Opponents object to certain language proposed for inclusion in the booklet, such as the following passage suggested by the organic industry: "Consider buying organic food -- food grown using fewer or no pesticides and inspected by a public or private certification agency."
Still in draft form, the brochure is being developed as a requirement of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. The brochure was ordered as part of the consumer education section of the legislation, and will be distributed in supermarkets to inform consumers about pesticides in foods.
Although the brochure was scheduled to be in stores by August, EPA is still writing the brochure after extensive public comment. Officials there have not said whether the organic statement in question will be included in its entirety, or reworded to read less controversial.
UFFVA believes the brochure will discourage fresh produce consumption. "United primarily took issue with the implications that pesticide residues in the food supply pose a health risk and suggestions that consumers purchase organic foods to reduce pesticide consumption," said organization officials.
The Produce Marketing Association in Newark, Del., is joining with UFFVA in calling for changes to the brochure. Recent USDA data shows that 99% of fresh fruits and vegetables consumers buy have either no pesticide residues or residue levels below established tolerances, according to PMA.
In response to the criticism, the Organic Trade Association in Greenfield, Mass., stated that eating certified organic foods does insure less pesticide consumption. The organization cited recent research by Consumer Union, the publisher of Consumers Reports, showing that organic foods have far fewer residues than conventional produce and have the least toxic pesticide residues.
"Consumers need to know that certified organic products have met stringent production standards concerning the use of pesticides," wrote Katherine DiMatteo, executive director of the OTA, in a letter to the EPA.
