Archived press release

Foe slams krebs over organic food

1 September 2000

Friends of the Earth today hit out at Sir John Krebs, chairman of the Government's Food Standards Agency, for telling the public that they were wasting their money if they think that the organic food that they buy is safer or more nutritious [1] than conventionally grown food. The comments are due to be broadcast on BBC's Countryfile programme this Sunday.

According to data published by the Government last year [2] 33% of fresh fruit and vegetables(732 samples) contained pesticide residues. And 70 per cent of conventionally grown carrots were found to contain pesticide residues including organophosphates which are currently being reviewed following concerns about their potential health effects [3].

Sandra Bell, Real Food campaigner for Friends of the Earth said:
“We are appalled that Sir John Krebs has launched this attack on organic food. Organic food avoids synthetic pesticides, the routine use of antibiotics and genetically modified ingredients. No-one knows what long term impact these may have on human health. If there is no problem with pesticides in conventionally grown food why does the Government advise people to wash and peel vegetables before giving them to children? The truth is that organic food is better for people and the environment. The Food Standards Agency should be promoting it, not rubbishing it.

Sir John is however right when he says that much of the organic food we eat is imported. Around 70 per cent of the organic produce bought in the UK is imported from abroad, despite the fact that lots of farmers want to convert to organic production. This is why FOE is backing the Organic Food and Farming Targets Bill which supports a significant rise in UK organic farming.

Sandra Bell continued:
“Sir John should be doing more to ensure that more organic food is produced in this country. Why doesn't he ask the Government why they aren't doing more to help British farmers to become part of the organic success story and produce organic food that is affordable for everyone.”

1. New European studies suggest that organic food is healthier, including research in Switzerland which found organic apples to have more cancer fighting antioxidants. .
2. MAFF Annual Report of the Working Party on Pesticide Residues
3. Countryfile tested 3 carrots for pesticide residues. Only one was conventionally grown. This is far too small a sample to draw conclusions about carrots in general. All the carrots were pesticide-free.
4. In a NOP poll (2162 respondents) for Friends of the Earth, 86% of people said they do not want pesticide residues in their food. Buying organic is currently the best way to avoid pesticide residues.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust