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Apples and Pesticide ResiduesApples are threatened by over 40 different insects, diseases, fungi and other conditions that attack the tree or the fruit that it produces. To ensure that you will always have access to high-quality, pest-free apples at a reasonable price, apple growers must take steps to protect their trees and fruit from injury or destruction by apple pests.Conscious of environmental and food safety concerns, two-thirds of apple growers report that they practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is a method of managing pests that combines different types of pest control methods – biological, cultural, chemical and mechanical – to reduce the possibility of harm to people, the tree and its fruit, and the environment. Under an IPM program, pesticides are used only when warranted. When pesticides are used, growers are required by law to follow manufacturers' strict instructions for the pesticide's use. Most pesticides become inactive or are removed long before an apple reaches your table. U.S. Department of Agriculture surveys of pesticide residues on foods have shown year after year that most apples are practically residue-free, and when a residue can be found it is generally at levels well below government-established safety standards. Numerous health organizations, including the Surgeon General, the American Cancer Society and the American Dietetic Association, report there is a far greater health risk from not eating fruits and vegetables than from any theoretical risk that might be posed by consuming trace amounts of pesticide residues that might be found on those foods. There are no reports in the United States of adverse health effects resulting from eating food treated legally with pesticides, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. So, eat your apples, for your better health! (July 26, 2002)
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