Dec 18, 2018

USDA releases 2017 residue monitoring results

On Dec. 17, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its 2017 Pesticide Data Program (PDP) residue monitoring results.

The new USDA report states: “The PDP annual summaries consistently show that 99 percent of sampled products had residues below EPA tolerances. The PDP data demonstrate that overall pesticide residues found on foods tested are at levels below the tolerances established by EPA and pose no safety concern.  Based on the PDP data, consumers can feel confident about eating a diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.”

These results are remarkably similar to USDA results from previous years as well as residue findings from the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state sampling programs.  

While the USDA program results are overwhelmingly positive and verify that the “U.S. food supply is among the safest in the world,” this government report will be manipulated by an activist group to unfairly cast doubt about the safety of popular and more accessible produce.

Unfortunately, peer reviewed studies show this repackaged “report” may result in low income consumers stating they would be less likely to purchase any produce – organic or conventional – after hearing the activist group’s negative and inaccurate safety messaging.

You can review the USDA PDP report here.