Scientists Confirm Your Food is Safe From Chemicals

(WASHINGTON, DC) How safe is your food from pesticide poisoning? According to USDA’s latest study, it’s almost 100 percent free of chemical residues. The recently published 2017 Pesticide Data Program (PDP) Annual Summary shows more than 99 percent of the samples tested had pesticide residues well below benchmark levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Every year, USDA and EPA work together to identify foods to be tested on a rotating basis. In 2017, tests were conducted on fresh and processed foods including fruits and vegetables as well as honey, milk and bottled water. Tests are conducted on a wide variety of domestic and imported foods, with a strong focus on foods that are consumed by infants and children. EPA relies on this data to conduct dietary risk assessments and to ensure that any pesticide residues in foods remain at safe levels while USDA uses the data to help farmers improve agricultural practices and enhance the department’s Integrated Pest Management Program.