Published 12:00 am Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Metro Creative Connection

Modern consumers have more choices than ever before. Whether theyre buying appliances, books, clothing, or any of the myriad necessities of daily life, consumers have a wealth of products to choose from.

An abundance of options also is available at the grocery store. Thats especially true in the produce aisle, where many stores have expanded their fresh fruit and vegetable offerings. That expansion reflects a growing preference among consumers for fresh products, including fresh produce. A 2018 report from the market research firm IRI and the Food Marketing Institute found that sales of fresh foods comprised just under 31 percent of food industry sales in 2017.

Customers who prefer fresh fruits and vegetables to frozen alternatives may wonder if they should be even more selective when purchasing their favorite foods in the produce aisle. That decision may come down to whether or not to purchase organic produce.

Organic produce can be significantly more expensive than non-organic fruits and vegetables, so its understandable if budget-conscious consumers cannot afford to go entirely organic. However, its important that consumers recognize the many ways that organic agriculture is having a positive impact on the health of humans and the planet they call home.

Organic produce reduces exposure to pesticides and antibiotics. UC Davis Health notes that organic produce has been proven to reduce consumers exposure to pesticides and antibiotics. Thats a significant benefit, as pesticide exposure has been shown to lead to neurodevelopmental issues and has been linked to higher cancer risk. Consumers shopping on budgets can pick and choose which organic foods they purchase, as UC Davis Health notes that certain foods have been shown to have higher pesticide residues than others. Apples, celery, grapes, spinach, strawberries, and tomatoes have high levels of pesticide residues, so choosing organic versions of these foods may be a wise choice. Avocados, broccoli, cabbage, and cantaloupe are some of the foods that typically have low levels of pesticide residue.

Organic agriculture reduces environmental degradation. The Organic Trade Association notes that synthetic pesticides and fertilizers used on some conventional farms can deplete the soil of valuable nutrients and increase environmental degradation. Organic farmers do not use such pesticides or fertilizers, instead utilizing such practices as composting, cover cropping and crop rotation, each of which can have positive, long-term effects on soil quality.

Organic agriculture benefits local wildlife. A 2015 study from researchers in Argentina that was published in the journal Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment found that small mammals were more abundant around organic farms than conventional farms. Thats not just good for those mammals, but also the farmers, as small mammals can feed on insects that would otherwise adversely affect crops.

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Food: The benefits of organic agriculture - Stanly News & Press

Arkansas farmers are leaning toward certified naturally grown products over certified organic due to cost and lack of inspection availability in the state.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. Arkansas Farmers around the state are starting to go away from certified organic produce at their farms.

"When they think about farmers' markets, they have the assumption that, like all the farmers, are using organic practices," Heather Friedrich, Director of The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food, said. "Many of them are using organic practices, but not many actually go through the certification process."

Matthew Varoz, the owner of Hatch Farms in Elkins, says one of the main reasons for this is because a different practice exists. It's called certified naturally grown produce. Many farmers believe it is just as healthy and cheaper to verify.

"It also costs more to be certified organic, and there is a ton of paperwork," Varoz said. "Being farmers, we are limited on our time, so certified naturally grown just makes it a lot easier for us to accomplish that."

On top of the cost, becoming certified organic in the state is difficult for Arkansas farmers because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't have a branch in Arkansas, which requires farmers to look out of state.

"We don't have a certifier that's based in Arkansas," Friedrich said. "There's one in Oklahoma, which a lot of farmers will use, but they're limited on the number of farms that they can certify out of state."

Friedrich said the process is difficult for some farmers to understand.

"Farmers that are looking to become certified often have a hard time understanding where they start that process," she said.

However, with the certified naturally grown option, it's given farmers the confidence to continue to grow healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables.

"We go through and we check to make sure it's ripe for our customers," Varoz said.

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Why Arkansas farmers are moving away from certified organic produce - KFSM 5Newsonline

WINNIPEG Canadas organic industry struggled over the last couple of years, with the volume of sales dropping for the first time in many years.

After a 41-day strike, workers at the Cargill Dunlop beef processing plant in Guelph will return to work Monday. 960

Fresh organic fruit, for instance, saw a 43 per cent decline in sale volumes from 2021 to 2023. Other categories of organic had more success, but COVID-19 and the post-pandemic period of high food prices has been a challenge, says the 2024 Organic Market Report from the Canadian Organic Trade Association (COTA).

Organic sales over all categories have seen a modest increase of one per cent (in value) since 2022. However, there has been a notable decrease in volume by six per cent, indicating the pervasive influence of inflation, says the report, which COTA released in late June.

The sales numbers arent great, but the data shows that Canadians are making different choices around organic food, says Tia Loftsgard, COTA executive director.

What the numbers indicate is that shoppers were finding other ways to purchase organic, swapping out fresh produce purchases for canned, dried or frozen options that have better shelf life, she said in an email.

As examples, sales volumes of frozen organic fruit jumped 78 per cent from 2021 to 2023 in Canada.

Pickled vegetable volumes climbed 22 per cent in the same period.

Certain categories are doing well, such as salty organic snacks, and the numbers show that organics share of the food and beverage market is climbing, although at a much slower pace:

From 2017-20, the organic share of the market (in dollars) went from 2.6 to 3.3 per cent, a gain of 0.7 per cent.

From 2020-23, organics market share climbed only 0.1 per cent, reaching 3.4 per cent in 2023.

In some positive news, organic sales reached $9.01 billion in 2023, which is an 11 per cent gain from 2020.

Unfortunately, most of that growth came from higher prices rather than from increased sales.

Many products exhibited an uptick in sales value from 2022-23, with a decline in volumes. This trend indicates that these products are being sold at higher prices for smaller quantities, COTA said.

Loftsgard pointed to data from SPINS, a U.S. market research firm, indicating that the gap between organic and conventional food prices has narrowed. That change should boost organic sales.

Inflation started coming down for all products in 2023, and the conclusion of the research firm is that organic prices did not experience as much price increases as non-organic, making organic products even more attractive as the price premium has decreased, she said.

The majority of the COTA report was directed at organic demand and market conditions, but it did briefly touch on organic production.

From 2020-22, acreage of certified organic farms declined 5.8 per cent in Canada.

The drop in acreage is nothing to worry about, Loftsgard said.

Market demand will keep organic production motivated to continue to grow organic ingredients for both domestic and international markets.

That may be true, but COTA and others in Canadas organic industry have been lobbying Ottawa for a formal program to support the organic industry. The program would, ideally, help increase organic acreage and provide a strong foundation, strategy and growth potential for the organic sector, COTA said in its report.

The feds have not announced such a program, but on June 27 Agriculture Canada did invest $2 million in the organic industry.

Ag Canada will provide COTA with $1.17 million to bolster Canadian organic exports and resolve market access issues.

As well, the feds are investing nearly $1 million in the Prairie Organic Development Fund

The goal of the project is to increase profitability, improve environmental outcomes and increase public trust in the Canadian organic agri-food industry, said Jim Robbins, president of the Prairie Organic Development Fund.

The funds will (make) an important contribution to growing organic supply and helping farmers adopt agronomic practices, making them more resilient to climate change.

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Demand continues to soften for organic food - The Western Producer

KANSAS CITY As the organic market matures and grapples with inflationary headwinds, significant sectors, including bread, breakfast cereal and baby food, continue to show growth, according to the Organic Trade Association. Increasing organic wheat supply, finding a diverse set of ingredient suppliers and funding from the US Department of Agriculture are boosting the category as well.

US organic product sales reached $69.7 billion in 2023, up 3.4% from the previous year, according to the Organic Trade Association, Washington. Food sales made up $63.8 billion of that total.

In the grocery category, sales increased 4.1% to $15.4 billion. Within grocery, in-store bakery and fresh bread were up nearly 3% to $3.1 billion, dry breakfast goods were up about 8% to $1.8 billion, and baby food and formula were up nearly 11% to $1.5 billion.

Organic wheat supply in the United States rebounded solidly in 2023-24. Commodity analysts at Argus Media Group, Houston, in May estimated US organic wheat production at 24.41 million bus for the 2023-24 marketing year, which was up 22% from 19.96 million bus in the previous marketing year. Argus projected organic wheat production will increase to 25.32 million bus in 2024-25.

So far, in the US, this year has seen organic wheat markets rebound after several years of drought, insect pressure and higher-priced conventional markets, leading to a reduction in organic acres as growers considered their seeding options, said Sam Beveridge, director of emerging nutrition risk and grower relations at Ardent Mills, Denver. Recently, adequate moisture levels across hard red winter regions and spring wheat regions in the northern tier states and Canadian prairies have helped to drive supply to meet the current demand.

As a result, we have seen prices move lower on anticipated supply, which allows growers to expand and have different sellable crops, some of which they have not seen for the past couple years. Still, current carryout stocks remain tight through new crop, which is reflective in the price inverse.

Consumer dietary shifts and a growing consciousness about health are helping propel organic demand, he said. Data from Ardent Mills show 77% of consumers believe grain-based organic foods are healthier and better for them, and 72% said they believe grain-based organic foods are better for the environment.

Despite the promising outlook, various factors may affect organic supply, including economic conditions and weather patterns, Beveridge said. Rising inflation may impact growers entry into the organic sector, which requires years of adherence to organic practices for certification.

Additionally, weather fluctuations, such as the shift from El Nio to La Nia, will impact various growing regions differently. For example, organic wheat fields in the Pacific Northwest may benefit from improved moisture conditions, but organic wheat fields in the central US have seen almost too much moisture, causing concern for sprouting among wheat crops.

Ardent Mills has expanded in the organic category. The company in 2019 acquired a grain elevator in Klamath Falls, Ore., that enhanced its ability to source from organic wheat growers in the Pacific Northwest, according to the company. In 2021, the acquisition of Hinrichs Trading Co., a company involved in chickpea sourcing, cleaning and packaging, included the acquisition of a grain elevator in Shelby, Mont., which allowed Ardent Mills to source organic wheat from Montana and Canadian prairies.

Ardent Mills organic portfolio also includes ancient grains such as quinoa, amaranth, millet, sorghum, teff and buckwheat available in several formats such as flour, said Michael Rhodes, senior research and development dough systems specialist.

These increasingly popular gluten-free, non-GMO wheat alternatives have been found to work well in multi-grain mixes to create unique textures and flavor profiles in bread, he said. Additionally, we also offer organic heirloom wheat grains like spelt.

Bay State Milling Co., Quincy, Mass., has supplied organic wheat flour for decades, said Connor Bullum, organic commodity merchandiser.

BSM has invested in the organic supply chain by producing organic flour at four separate mills and has recently converted the Platteville, Colo., location to 100% organic wheat flour production, and we continue to originate over more than half of our total organic wheat needs directly from farmers, he said.

Besides wheat flour, Bay State Milling offers flour from grains such as rice, sorghum, millet and oats, Bullum said.

We see customers using these flours in gluten-free breads, as these are inherently gluten-free offerings, but also as inclusions and toppings to wheat-based bread, he said.

ResearchAndMarkets.com, Dublin, forecasts the global organic baby food market will increase to $8.10 billion in 2028 from $4.55 billion in 2023 through a compound annual growth rate of 12%.

Sales are up 61% over last year at Once Upon a Farm, Berkeley, Calif., said Emily Luna, baby and toddler manager for the company. She added sales within the baby business are four times higher than they were in 2022.

Luna said the increase has come through new product lines, including frozen toddler pasta meals and baby and toddler pantry snacks, consumers shifting toward organic, increased brand awareness and expanded distribution into retail in fresh, frozen and dry categories.

The baby and toddler portfolio at Once Upon a Farm includes fresh, organic, cold-pressed refrigerated pouches, shelf-stable pantry snacks and frozen plant-rich meals.

We have a very talented procurement team that manages a lot of complexity, said Jane Kuhn, sustainability manager at Once Upon a Farm.

The company develops multiple suppliers representing different geographies for each ingredient.

This helps us maintain a steady supply through different seasons and positions us to be more resilient amidst supply chain shocks due to weather events, Kuhn said.

The USDA in May announced new programs, partnerships, grant awards and an additional $10 million in funding to expand the markets for organic products and help producers transition to organic production. The USDAs Agricultural Marketing Service awarded about $24.8 million for 23 grant projects through the Organic Market Development Grant program.

Offsetting the costs for organic transition helps more farmers realize higher margins sooner while giving consumers more access to high-demand organic products, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said.

The Organic Trade Association and The Organic Center received $2.2 million in Organic Market Development Grant matching funds from the USDA.

We thank USDA for making this project possible with this important funding, said Tom Chapman, co-chief executive officer of the OTA.

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Growth in the organic aisle - BakingBusiness.com

More than two decades after the U.S. Department of Agriculture implemented standards for organic production and processing, the category has zoomed from niche to mainstream status.

And there seems to be no slowdown in sight, the agency says.

In November 2023, the USDA reported that organic producers had increased market access to the point that conventional grocery retailers had overtaken natural food stores as the most popular outlet for organic food, with 55.6 percent of sales in 2021.

Produce has led the way, USDA reported, with organic fruits and vegetables passing $22 billion in retail food sales 2022good for about 36 percent of all organic retail sales, according to the Organic Trade Association.

Foresight and Fortitude

The success of the category is no surprise to some. Grower-shippers and marketers say they recognized the organics trend long ago and have helped steadily steer more fruit, vegetable, and nut volumes into the organics category.

For example, USDA noted fruit and nut acreage increased 76 percent between 2011 and 2021, as growers heeded increasing demand from consumers.

Overall, our organic manifest makes up about 20 percent of our total volume, shares Kaci Komstadius, vice president of marketing with Sage Fruit Company, LLC BB #:163180. The Yakima, WA-based company grows and ships apples, pears, and cherries.

The demand for organic fresh produce has remained strong, she asserts. As such, weve made investments to expand our overall organics program.

Wenatchee, WA-based grower-shipper Stemilt Growers, LLC BB #:113654 recognized the potential of organics more than 30 years ago and has been gradually building its organic footprint, according to Brianna Shales, marketing director.

Stemilt first got into organic fruit production in 1989, Shales notes, and the company now grows apples, pears, cherries, and stone fruit in Washington State and cherries in California and Washington.

This is an excerpt from the Organic Spotlight story from the May/June 2024 issue of Produce Blueprints Magazine.

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Green Growth: Organics continue to flourish - Produce Blue Book

An outbreak of E. coli infections traced to organic walnuts has been declared over.

The outbreak sickened 13 people in Washington and Oregon, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seven of the patients required hospitalization. No deaths were reported, but two of the patients developed acute kidney failure.

The last known infection from E. coli O157:H7 was reported on April 4.

A traceback investigation by the Food and Drug Administration identified Gibson Farms Inc. as the common supplier of walnuts in this outbreak. On April 27 Gibson Farms Inc. initiated a voluntary recall and contacted their distributing customers.

The organic walnuts were distributed in natural food stores and co-ops in the following states: Alaska, Arkansas Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

The walnuts may have been repackaged in containers without indication they were from Gibson Farms.

There is some concern that consumers may have frozen the implicated walnuts for future use. Anyone who eats walnuts and develops symptoms of E. coli infection should immediately seek medical attention. Freezing does not kill the bacteria.

About E. coli infections Specific tests are required to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

About 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication, known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor.

Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or death. This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients.

People who experience HUS symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care. People with HUS will likely be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurologic problems.

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CDC declares E. coli outbreak traced to organic walnuts to be over - Food Safety News

Edible Garden AG Incorporated

Experience the innovative flavors of Pulp yourself at Booth #117 at the 2024 Organic Produce Summit today at the Monterey Conference Center

2024 Organic Produce Summit

2024 Organic Produce Summit

BELVIDERE, NJ, July 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Edible Garden AG Incorporated (Edible Garden or the Company) (Nasdaq: EDBL, EDBLW), a leader in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), locally grown, organic, and sustainable produce and products, today announced that it will exhibit its line of flavor enhancing, sustainable, gourmet, USDA Organic, Pulp fermented sauces and chili-based products, at the 2024 Organic Produce Summit, Booth #117, in Monterey, California.

The Organic Produce Summit is the only event exclusively dedicated to connecting buyers and suppliers in the organic fresh produce industry. The conference is designed to foster networking, education, and the exchange of information within the organic produce industry. The summit includes educational sessions and a trade show floor where various exhibitors showcase their products and services. It aims to address current trends and challenges in the industry, including sustainability practices and innovative technologies in organic produce.

At Edible Garden, innovation drives everything we do, stated Jim Kras, Chief Executive Officer of Edible Garden. In a product category projected to grow from $172.79 billion in 2021 to $240.7 billion by 2028 according to Research and Markets, no company is more innovative than Edible Garden in a category not typically known for innovation. In a short period of time since its initial launch, Pulp's USDA Organic, raw, and fermented products have transformed the way consumers experience condiments, standing out from conventional options. Edible Garden is committed to pushing the boundaries of flavor and quality, making Pulp a must-try for food enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers alike. The product line has become widely available at Whole Foods Market, Morton Williams, Dierbergs Markets, Target, Woodmans, and Meijer. Retailers of all sizes can offer our Bland to Bold Pulp product line to their customers through several major distributors, including KeHE Distributors, a leading distributor of natural, organic, specialty, and fresh products, and UNFI Distributors, one of North Americas top grocery wholesalers of health and specialty foods. These distributors further broaden consumer access to the product line, in addition to our Pulp e-commerce platform, which allows consumers to directly purchase all of our distinct and flavorful products online."

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"I invite all attendees of the 2024 Organic Produce Summit at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, California, to visit the Edible Garden Booth #117 where you will have the opportunity to experience the innovative flavors of Pulp firsthand. Discover why consumers who value flavor-forward, sustainable, and organic options are turning to Pulp as their go-to choice for condiments. Our team will be on hand to showcase the unique qualities of our USDA organic, raw, and fermented products, and explain how we are pushing the boundaries of flavor and quality in a category that has long been stagnant. Don't miss this chance to taste the future of condiments and learn more about our commitment to environmental stewardship and product innovation. See for yourself what sets Pulp apart and why its capturing the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers alike."

A copy of the Companys latest corporate video is also available here.

ABOUT EDIBLE GARDEN EdibleGarden AG Incorporated is a leader in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), locally grown, organic, and sustainable produce and products backed by Zero-Waste Inspired next generation farming. Offered at over 5,000 stores in the US, Edible Garden is disrupting the CEA and sustainability technology movement with its safety-in-farming protocols, use of sustainable packaging, patented GreenThumb software and self-watering in-store displays. The Company currently operates its own state-of-the-art greenhouses and processing facilities in Belvidere, New Jersey and Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has a network of contract growers, all strategically located near major markets in the U.S. Its proprietary GreenThumb 2.0 patented (US Nos.: US 11,158,006 B1, US 11,410,249 B2 and US 11,830, 088 B2) software optimizes growing in vertical and traditional greenhouses while seeking to reduce pollution-generating food miles. Its proprietary patented (U.S. Patent No. D1,010,365) Self-watering display is designed to increase plant shelf life and provide an enhanced in-store plant display experience. Edible Garden is also a developer of ingredients and proteins, providing an accessible line of plant and whey protein powders under the Vitamin Way and Vitamin Whey brands. In addition, the Company offers a line of sustainable food flavoring products such as Pulp gourmet sauces and chili-based products.

For more information on Pulp products go to https://www.pulpflavors.com/. For more information on Edible Garden go to https://ediblegardenag.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements This pressrelease contains forward-looking statements, including with respect to the Companys growth strategies, ability to expand its distribution network and distribution relationships, and performance as a public company. The words believe, expect, intend, look forward, objective, plan, seek, strategy, will, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including market and other conditions and the Companys ability to achieve its growth objectives. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements after the date hereof to conform to actual results or changes in expectations, except as required by law.

Investor Contacts: Crescendo Communications, LLC 212-671-1020 EDBL@crescendo-ir.com

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Edible Garden, The Flavor Maker, Transforming the Fresh Condiments Product Category with Pulp Flavors Line of USDA Organic, Fermented &...

LONG POND, Pa. - NASCAR weekend is now underway at Pocono Raceway. And with many fans planting their roots down there for the whole weekend, a large farm just across the tracks want the people to know there are healthier eating options rolling their way.

"Get back together this weekend and enjoy NASCAR and enjoy camping," Matthew Emerick, a camper, said.

For NASCAR lovers in Pennsylvania, camping at Pocono Raceway is a staple to their souls' diet.

"Having a great time with thousands of other people," camper, John Woodruff, said. "That's what it's all about, camping and racing."

"That's what it's all about," Emerick said.

But what about their actual diet?

"Cooking, cold beer," Woodruff said.

Fans can have a busy itinerary inside the raceway.

"We'll wait for practice to start qualifying for both the truck and XFINITY," Emerick said, "there's places to meet the drivers get some autographs you know, talk to him a little bit."

And many don't know that just across the tracks, sits nearly 400 acres of farm.

"Pocono Organics Farm, which is one of North America's largest regenerative organic certified farms, is right across the street," Jeanine Hofbauer, Director of Marketing at Pocono Organics Farm, said.

Pocono Organics Farm wheels in a produce cart for campers, rolling in healthier options for more racecar cheering power.

"Because it's not so easy," Hofbauer said. "Or maybe some people don't want to leave once they park that trailer or that motorhome, or their campsite set."

So campers, as you're grilling your next burger, why not add a nice, juicy organic steak tomato?

"We're not just an amazing farm," Hofbauer said. "We have some of the greatest humans on Earth right at Pocono Organic Farm. They are dedicated to making sure our soil health is being maintained."

This is the third year the cart's rolled this way. And its popularity keeps on growing.

"No pun intended," Hofbauer said.

The farm hopes to feed the masses, while also feeding their brains with knowledge of healthier foods.

"We like to educate the community," Hofbauer said. "We are loyal to the soil."

Hofbauer says the goal is to fuel folks at the campsites, so they'll have an even more fruitful NASCAR experience.

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Healthy, organic food rolls its way across the tracks for NASCAR weekend-goers - 69News WFMZ-TV

Pesticides and Indian spices have been all over the news lately. First came the recall by Hong Kong and Singapore of certain spice mixes by top Indian spice makers MDH and Everest over high levels of ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing pesticide. Alongside that, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Indias food regulator, increased the limit for pesticide residues in spices and herbs by a whopping 10 times, which added fuel to the fire.

There are over 1,000 pesticides used around the world to ensure food is not damaged or destroyed by pests, explains Dr Sudeep Khanna, senior consultant, gastroenterologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals . This, in turn, increases the yield of vegetables, fruits, and other crops, furthering food security.

However, this comes at a cost. Although there have been conflicting opinions, studies have linked pesticide exposure to negative health effects such as reproductive issues, respiratory problems, neurological issues, and an increased risk of cancer.

Pesticide exposure has both short and long-term effects, says Dr Tushar Tayal, consultant, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. The short-term side-effects include nose, throat, and itching of skin, rashes and blisters. Nausea, dizziness, and diarrhoea may also occur. In the long term, the side effects include cancer and other tumours; brain and nervous system damage; birth defects; infertility and other reproductive problems; and damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, and other body organs. They can also affect development, sleep and fertility, he explains.

According to Dr Khanna, each pesticide has different properties and toxicological effects. They are poisonous compounds used to kill or repel pests, and their residues can contaminate fruits, vegetables and other crops. The toxicity depends on its function and other factors. For example, insecticides tend to be more toxic to humans than herbicides. Similarly, the same chemical can have different effects at different doses. Not only that, toxicity can also depend on the route how the exposure occurs such as by swallowing, inhaling, or direct contact with the skin. he adds.

Direct contact can be especially harmful. Studies have shown that farmers who used certain pesticides on their crops had a higher frequency of obesity and colon cancer compared to others.

Notably, pesticides have been shown to impact children differently. For example, children born to mothers who had high pesticide exposure were found in some studies to show mental delays of up to two years, such as issues with visual memory and coordination. In a study, kids born to mothers who lived near farmlands where certain pesticides were used were found to be more likely to suffer from autism. Also, childhood exposure was also found to be linked to an elevated risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, more research is required into these.

Links with cancer

The most startling aspect of the spice controversy has been that ethylene oxide is a carcinogen. There are a few epidemiological studies that have shown some link between exposure to pesticides and cancer, says Dr Pooja Babbar, consultant, medical oncology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. However, the majority of these studies are animal-based. Hence, it is difficult to say that pesticides cause cancer, she adds.

In fact, not just foods, pesticides are everywhere in the environment, such as the air we breathe, the expert points out. But definitely, weve seen Punjab being the cancer belt of India . And it has been found that the use of pesticides is too much in Punjab because of the increased farming. So some epidemiological studies are showing a link that Punjab is probably the cancer capital or Bhatinda is the cancer capital because of the increased use of fertilisers and pesticides there. And even certain studies have also found pesticides in the blood samples and certain non-approved pesticides in the food particles of Punjab, she highlights, adding: Still, for anything to cause cancer, there are certain factors like how long you are exposed and the quantity.

Dr Manish Singhal, senior consultant, medical oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, points out: Not all pesticides are linked to increased cancer risk, but there are certain types. The pesticides that have been classified as probable or possible human carcinogens include organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, and some herbicides. However, it is essential to note that not all pesticides within these categories pose the same level of risk, and the specific chemical structure and exposure levels play a crucial role as well.

The dirty dozen

Notably, the pesticide residue levels are higher in certain food items compared to others. Its higher in items with thin, edible skins, such as apples, strawberries, grapes, and leafy greens, says Swati, nutritionist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. Some such foods include strawberries, spinach, apples, grapes, tomatoes, and potatoes, among others, says Jain. However, the way out isnt to avoid these food items completely, as it may deplete you of important nutrients, says Swati. Instead, wash and peel these vegetable items to minimise pesticide exposure. You can also employ cooking methods, such as boiling or baking, which can help reduce pesticide consumption. Additionally, try choosing organic produce, the nutritionist recommends.

What about FSSAI increasing pesticide residue limits? The decision by the FSSAI to increase the permissible limits for pesticide residues in spices by 10 times is of concern, says Dr Khanna. Spices are widely used in Indian cuisine and are exported around the world. This move could potentially expose millions of people to higher levels of toxic pesticide residues through their food, he says.

At the same time, Swati says that the FSSAIs recent decision raises serious public health concerns.

Raising the maximum residual limits (MRLs) for pesticides in spices could expose consumers to higher levels of these harmful substances, thus raising the risk of chronic toxicity and long-term health repercussions. Instead of lowering rules, a more prudent approach would be to implement stricter standards and promote sustainable agricultural practices that minimise pesticide use, thereby reducing the potential health risks associated with pesticide exposure through dietary sources, she adds.

Is organic the answer?

Organic produce generally has lower pesticide residues compared to conventionally grown produce as organic farming typically avoids the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers, and instead relies on natural methods like crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control. However, its important to note that organic farming doesnt mean pesticide-free. Organic farmers may still use certain natural pesticides and herbicides, and there can still be traces of these substances on organic produce. Nevertheless, organic certification standards typically limit the types and amounts of pesticides that can be used, which can lead to lower overall pesticide exposure, Jain points out. While organic foods have exceptional benefits when it comes to health, there are downsides too, as they can be costlier than conventionally-grown foods.

The way out

Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Scrub them in cold water and with a soft brush

As many pesticides accumulate on the surface, peeling the outer layers of fruits and vegetables can be beneficial

Use a mixture of water and baking soda or vinegar to clean the fruits and vegetables

A study found that boiling strawberries brought down the pesticide residue significantly

Blanching, which is exposing the produce first to boiling and then cold water, can be beneficial

Including a variety of foods in your diet can also bring down the pesticide exposure

Also, growing your own food using organic method can be a good way to go about it

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Pesticides on the plate: How safe is your food? - The Financial Express

MONTEREY, CA While the ownership of the Organic Produce Summit recently changed hands, the popularity of the conference and trade show hasnt skipped a beat as the 2024 OPS got off to a rousing start with an opening reception July 10, here. Attendees enjoyed food, drinks and live music in advance of the educational sessions and expo that were to follow on July 11. The opening reception was sponsored by Divine Flavor and Athos.

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OPS 2024 gets off to rousing start - The Produce News