Archived press release
Go to our press releases area for our current press releases.
Babies help get leo off to a great start with real food
19 June 2000
Photocall: Monday 11.30am Whitehall (Downing St) SW1
To welcome the arrival of baby Blair and to mark the launch of Friends of the Earth's Real Food Week, a group of parents and babies, led by the Marchioness of Worcester, will today meet outside Downing Street to present a hamper of pesticide-free fruit and BabyOrganix products to No 10.
A delegation of toddlers will hand in a giant-apple-shaped card and balloons for Leo. Their parents will deliver a letter highlighting concerns about the potential health risk of pesticide residues on babies and young children and asking Mr Blair, as a new parent, to support the
Real Food Campaign.
Background Information
Toxic chemicals in pesticides are absorbed into fruits, vegetables and grains and can build up in the human body. Pesticide residues are potentially harmful and children are particularly vulnerable,as the risk is multiplied by their smaller size and immature body systems. The Government advises consumers to peel all fresh fruit and vegetables to reduce the risk, but peeling and washing won't eliminate the pesticide residues as they are absorbed into the whole fruit.
A new EU limit for pesticide levels in baby food - close to zero - is about to be brought into force in the UK. FOE wants the EU limit to apply to all food not just baby food.
FOE wants to get toxic residues out of our food once and for all. We want to Government to ban the 'filthy four '- the four most dangerous chemicals - aldicarb, carbendazim, lindane and vinclozolin and strive for an overall reduction in pesticide use, with more support for organics at a price everyone can afford.
Real Food is:
- food free from GM ingredients and toxic residues
- food from local farms
- food that safeguards wildlife, jobs, and you!
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jul 2008
