OTA Dismisses Perchlorate Issue

WASHINGTON - Dec 3/04 - SNS -- The U.S.-based Organic Trade Association (OTA) dismissed United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) data which found the chemical perchlorate in organic and traditional produced lettuce and milk.

"Perchlorate contamination appears to be a problem across all agriculture, whether conventional or organic methods are employed," said Katherine DiMatteo, executive director of The Organic Trade Association (OTA). "While perchlorate was detected in organic lettuce and milk, there is no reason to believe that this is exclusively an organic concern."

In recent years there has been concern about perchlorate contamination in soil, ground water, drinking water and irrigation water in areas throughout the country. As a result, the FDA is evaluating the contamination levels and potential health risks associated with consuming foods contaminated with perchlorate. Currently reviewing several important questions to determine if perchlorate is a public health concern, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), is expected to release a report of its findings in January 2005.

Until there is more known about the health effects of perchlorate and its presence in foods, the FDA continues to recommend that consumers eat a balanced diet by choosing a variety of foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables. The FDA does not recommend that consumers alter their eating habits at this time.