Almost 100% of samples were below EPA-regulated levels
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), part of the United States Department of Agriculture released their data from the 2013 Pesticide Data Program with successful findings.
The information shows over 99% of products sampled had chemical residues below the tolerable level determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA evaluates the human, wildlife, and environmental danger of the pesticides. Products tested range from apples and green beans to poultry and water.
In 2013, the research expanded and included baby formula, salmon, and raspberries.
"PDP is invaluable to EPA in its work to evaluate pesticide residues in food. EPA remains committed to a rigorous, science-based, and transparent regulatory program for pesticides that continues to protect people's health and the environment,” the EPA said in a statement.
Only 0.23% of samples tested were determined to have more than the tolerated residue amount. In those cases, the information was immediately reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and EPA. The EPA said those residues are not a food safety risk.
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is responsible for assessing whether pesticide chemical residues found on food make the food unlawful under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. FDA is able to conduct its own tests, interpret the reported violations, and determine if additional testing is needed in order to take enforcement action, as appropriate,” the FDA said.