Menu
21/09/2005
‘More pesticides’ found in school fruit
Fruit and vegetables given to children in schools contain over 25% more pesticides than those sold in shops, research has revealed.
The Soil Association said that the Pesticide Residues Committee – an independent government advisory group - tested 167 samples of fruit and vegetables supplied to schools as part of the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme last year, as well as 882 samples of non-organic produce sold in shops.
The study found that 84% of the produce supplied to schools contained pesticides, compared with 57% of shop-bought produce.
Peter Melchett, Policy Director of the Soil Association, said: “The Soil Association strongly supports the school fruit scheme. But it is wrong for a scheme that provides fruit and vegetables to the most vulnerable in society to source lower quality fruit and vegetables, apparently containing a higher proportion of pesticides and pesticide cocktails, than the fruit and vegetables available in shops.”
The PRC said that the pesticide residue profiles of school fruit and vegetables appeared “similar” to those of shop purchased produce.
The Soil Association said that, in comparison, 96% of 55 samples of organic produce purchased in shops were completely free from pesticides.
The group cited a recent US study, which found that school children who followed organic diets showed “significantly reduced” exposure to organophosphorous pesticides.
The Soil Association has urged the government to reduce the proportion of fruit and vegetables containing pesticides in the SFVS scheme by increasing the use of in season UK-grown fruit and vegetables, as well as the use of organic produce.
Mr Melchett added: “It is vital that children eat more fruit and vegetables; to encourage this the school fruit scheme needs to focus on sourcing high-quality produce, wherever possible from the UK and work towards achieving zero pesticides as quickly as they can.”
(KMcA/SP)
The Soil Association said that the Pesticide Residues Committee – an independent government advisory group - tested 167 samples of fruit and vegetables supplied to schools as part of the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme last year, as well as 882 samples of non-organic produce sold in shops.
The study found that 84% of the produce supplied to schools contained pesticides, compared with 57% of shop-bought produce.
Peter Melchett, Policy Director of the Soil Association, said: “The Soil Association strongly supports the school fruit scheme. But it is wrong for a scheme that provides fruit and vegetables to the most vulnerable in society to source lower quality fruit and vegetables, apparently containing a higher proportion of pesticides and pesticide cocktails, than the fruit and vegetables available in shops.”
The PRC said that the pesticide residue profiles of school fruit and vegetables appeared “similar” to those of shop purchased produce.
The Soil Association said that, in comparison, 96% of 55 samples of organic produce purchased in shops were completely free from pesticides.
The group cited a recent US study, which found that school children who followed organic diets showed “significantly reduced” exposure to organophosphorous pesticides.
The Soil Association has urged the government to reduce the proportion of fruit and vegetables containing pesticides in the SFVS scheme by increasing the use of in season UK-grown fruit and vegetables, as well as the use of organic produce.
Mr Melchett added: “It is vital that children eat more fruit and vegetables; to encourage this the school fruit scheme needs to focus on sourcing high-quality produce, wherever possible from the UK and work towards achieving zero pesticides as quickly as they can.”
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 September 2006
Pesticides 'in a third of UK food'
Nearly a third of food and drink products in the UK contain traces of pesticides, according to a new report. The 2005 annual report by the Pesticide Residues Committee found that 30.2% of the 3,787 products surveyed during last year had pesticide traces within the maximum legal limits. However, the residues exceeded legal limits in 1.
Pesticides 'in a third of UK food'
Nearly a third of food and drink products in the UK contain traces of pesticides, according to a new report. The 2005 annual report by the Pesticide Residues Committee found that 30.2% of the 3,787 products surveyed during last year had pesticide traces within the maximum legal limits. However, the residues exceeded legal limits in 1.
01 April 2014
Five-A-Day Fruit And Veg Is Not Enough - UCL Report
Eating seven or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day reduces your risk of death at any point in time by 42% compared to eating less than one portion, according to a report by the University College London UCL.
Five-A-Day Fruit And Veg Is Not Enough - UCL Report
Eating seven or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day reduces your risk of death at any point in time by 42% compared to eating less than one portion, according to a report by the University College London UCL.
20 August 2010
Green 'Leafy Vegetables' Reduce Diabetes Risk
Eating more green leafy vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, new research has claimed. The authors, led by Patrice Carter at the University of Leicester, said there is a need for further investigation into the potential benefits of green leafy vegetables.
Green 'Leafy Vegetables' Reduce Diabetes Risk
Eating more green leafy vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, new research has claimed. The authors, led by Patrice Carter at the University of Leicester, said there is a need for further investigation into the potential benefits of green leafy vegetables.
06 April 2011
Disadvantaged Families Get Healthy Boost
Low-income families now have the choice to buy frozen fruit and vegetables as part of the Healthy Start scheme, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced today. The scheme supports over half a million pregnant women and low-income families by giving them vouchers that until now could only be spent on fresh fruit, vegetables and milk.
Disadvantaged Families Get Healthy Boost
Low-income families now have the choice to buy frozen fruit and vegetables as part of the Healthy Start scheme, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced today. The scheme supports over half a million pregnant women and low-income families by giving them vouchers that until now could only be spent on fresh fruit, vegetables and milk.
21 October 2009
Healthy Food 'Task Force' Launched
A new Task Force will help England to grow and eat more fruit and vegetables and improve the nation's health, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced today.
Healthy Food 'Task Force' Launched
A new Task Force will help England to grow and eat more fruit and vegetables and improve the nation's health, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
