Pesticide Residues In Canadian Food Declines

TORONTO - May 30/05 - SNS -- Pesticide residue levels in Canadian foods have been declining in recent years, according to an analysis of Agriculture Canada by the industry association, Croplife Canada.

Data compiled by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (an agency of the federal government) shows that more than 99% of fresh fruits, vegetables and other food products were found to be within the Maximum Residue Limits set by Health Canada. About 80% of all fresh food items inspected showed no detectable traces of pesticides; while more than 90% of processed foods had no detectable amounts.

Even so, Canadian consumers remain concerned about chemical residues in foods. A February telephone poll of Canadian women found 81% said they are concerned about pesticides being used to grow the fruits and vegetables they buy, with 77% believing pesticides used in agriculture are harmful to their health.

"There's a huge disconnect between perception and reality, and that's unfortunate because people are concerned about something that the government's own inspection data shows we really don't need to worry about," said Peter MacLeod, Executive Director of Crop Protection Chemistry for CropLife Canada.

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