Archived press release

Baby food samples pesticide-free

3 September 2003

Friends of the Earth has welcomed new Government data, published today, showing that fruit-based baby food samples were free from pesticide residues for the first time. However, the environmental campaigners are calling on the Government and retailers to apply the same stringent safety standards to fresh produce, and for more to be done to help farmers reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides.

The latest quarterly results published by the Pesticides Residues Committee show that 60 samples of fruit based infant food, tested between January and March this year were completely free of pesticide residues. Baby food manufacturers have had to ensure that their products are free of pesticides to comply with EU legislation introduced in July 2002. However in previous tests the suspected hormone disrupter carbendazim and other pesticides were found in fruit based infant food.

However, Friends of the Earth warns that there is a long way to go before parents can have the same confidence about fresh fruit and vegetables. Over the last five years nearly half of supermarket fruit and vegetables (from the UK and imported) that has been tested has contained residues. Friends of the Earth wants retailers to be more proactive about reducing residues in their food. This should include working with farmers to find alternatives and being more flexible about food appearance standards. So far only the Co-op, M&S and Waitrose have shown a real commitment to getting rid of the most risky pesticides from their fresh produce.

Friends of the Earth has accused the Government of making it harder for UK farmers to get off the pesticides treadmill because of its lack of support for non-chemical alternatives. Action needed includes changes to regulatory procedures, which currently favour chemical pesticides, and more research funding into alternatives. Currently there are safer alternatives, including biological controls, which are available in other countries but which UK farmers are unable to use.

Today's results did not include any UK fruit and vegetables, but reported on pesticides in squash and sweet potatoes. One sample of sweet potatoes contained the organophosphate pesticide phosmet (not approved for use in the UK), which is listed as a potential carcinogen by the US EPA. Overall 37% of sweet potatoes samples contained residues but squash were found to be residue-free.

Today's results also included rice. Over half the samples (54%) contained residues, including one which was over the legal limit. Milk, white fish, and cold water prawns were found to be free of residues.

Friends of the Earth's Pesticides Campaigner Sandra Bell said:

"Today's results are good news for parents who buy processed baby food, and shows that it is possible to provide pesticide-free food. But there is still a long way to go before parents can have the same confidence about fresh fruit and veg. This is not acceptable because fresh food should be the healthiest choice in every way. The Government and retailers must do more to ensure that all our food is free of pesticide residues".

A WHICH report about pesticides, also released today, advises consumers to buy organic food or peel fruit and vegetables in order to reduce exposure to pesticide residues.

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