Strawberry Commission Answers ‘Dirty Dozen’

Taylor Hillman Fruits & Vegetables, Industry News Release, Specialty Crops

dirty dozen
A yearly list generated by an environmental non-profit recently rated strawberries as the most pesticide-contaminated produce. The California Strawberry Commission asserts that science says otherwise and the organization’s media is sometimes contradictory.

The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit that produces a ‘Dirty-Dozen’ list that rates the top twelve pesticide contaminated foods. Conventional strawberries topped this year’s list, bumping apples from the number one ranking for the last five years.

The California Strawberry Commission issued a statement in response to the list.

From the California Strawberry Commission:
On behalf of the conventional and organic farmers we represent, the California Strawberry Commission (CSC) reiterates that health experts everywhere agree that consumers should eat more fruits and vegetables, like strawberries, every day for better health and a longer life. Further, the science clearly shows that organic and conventional strawberries are safe to eat and pesticide residues do not pose a safety concern.

In fact, an analysis from a toxicologist with the University of California’s Personal Chemical Exposure Program found that residues on strawberries are so low, if present at all, that a child could literally eat 1,508 servings of strawberries in a day and still not have any effects from residues.

Regarding Tuesday’s release of the so-called “dirty dozen” list, it should be noted that the authors of this list actually named conventionally grown strawberries as a “best food” in a report published in October 2014. The list authors recommend people consume more of these “best foods” for better health, including conventionally grown strawberries.

The CSC encourages those interested in learning more about pesticide residues on food to read the actual USDA Pesticide Data Program report the “dirty dozen” authors state they base their list upon. Among the key findings: “Residues do not pose a safety concern.”

Strawberries are considered a nutrient dense food, and are high in Vitamin C, a good source of fiber, plus provide essential potassium, folate, and antioxidants. While there are numerous studies showing the health benefits of eating berries, including improved brain and cardiovascular health, a new study found that strawberry consumption may also positively impact insulin response in the body. Insulin response can be a factor in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Strawberries are also one of the most popular fruits among kids. Since this popular fruit is now available year-round, moms can feed their kids healthy and delicious strawberries anytime