Dangerous Pesticide Levels Found in Common Produce 

United States – According to a recent report that highlights a study, about one-fifth of the fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans are found to have a hazardous level of pesticides. With particular focus, several fruits and vegetables including strawberries, green beans, bell peppers, blueberries, and potatoes reached risky levels of pesticides, as reported by HealthDay. 

“One food in particular, green beans, had residues of a pesticide that hasn’t been allowed to be used on the vegetable in the U.S. for over a decade,” the report authors said in a news release. “And imported produce, especially some from Mexico, was particularly likely to carry risky levels of pesticide residues.” 

Imports Amplify Risk, particularly from Mexico 

Imported produce, particularly from Mexico, emerged as a significant source of concern in the study. A staggering 65% of the most contaminated samples were imports, with a notable portion of these being Mexican products. Frozen strawberries, in particular, stood out as a category with elevated levels of contamination. 

Regulatory Oversight and Health Concerns 

Along with this, as some legal institutions like the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take responsibility for the formation of the pesticide protection norms and the maintenance the regulation enforcement, others argue that the real stricter attitude is necessary. It has been proven that problems such as heart diseases, cancer, premature births and neurologically related problems could all result from pesticides exposure. 

“The EPA could certainly be doing a better job of setting more accurate safe limits based on the latest science,” Alexis Temkin, senior toxicologist at the Environmental Working Group, told CNN. “Some of these pesticides require immediate, swift action by the EPA to consider these potential health risks more strongly.” 

Recommendations for Consumers to Minimize Risk 

Consumers are now required to scientifically make efforts to decrease the number of pesticides taken. Thoroughly rinsing fruits and vegetables under running water, although not all-encompassing, is a good measure in cutting down pesticides according to research. While the argument would be in favor of organic products as a safer alternative, it is, however, necessary to throw light on all washing techniques, as advised by health specialists, as reported by HealthDay.