In Food Policy This Week: 5 News Bites - Check out this 2012
Guide to Pesticides in Food, which includes the "Dirty Dozen"
and "Clean 15" - fruits and vegetables with the most and least
pesticide residue, respectively. These residues are measured
after washing or peeling. Among the most pesticide-contaminated
produce items are apples, peaches, and peppers; onions, avocado,
and corn are among the cleaner items. But the EWG's conclusion
encourages fruit and vegetable consumption even if buying
conventional items is unavoidable - the health benefits of
eating lots of produce outweighs the possible dangers of small
quantities of pesticides. - This week, the Senate passed their
version of the 2012 Farm Bill. Food movement activists are happy
that several local food and hunger programs were funded, and
that there was some reform to commodity payment programs that
support "Big Ag". However, several conservation programs were
cut and there remains much contention over the necessary level
of funding for the Supplement