If you purchase an organic
pear, does that mean it's pesticide-free?
Not quite.
Evidence shows that organically grown crops contain fewer pesticides than
conventionally grown ones. But not all organic foods are created
equal — some still contain trace amounts of pesticides. And many
pick up chemical residue from soil or other sources.
How
can you protect yourself? Learning the new organic food label logic
is one strategy. Washing produce properly is the
second.
New labels weed out false claims
The following
government-issued labels can help consumers know the exact organic
content of the products they buy:
- 100
percent organic: The product contains only organic
ingredients.
- Organic: The product contains
at least 95 percent organically grown
ingredients.
Processed foods, such as soup, labeled "made with organic
ingredients" have at least 70 percent organic
components.
Organic or not — wash your produce 
What helps rid organic produce of
extra pesticides? The same tactic that applies to all fruits and
veggies: Washing before eating. This is especially important for
women with children. Pesticides might cause more harm to kids than
adults.
Besides pesticides, washing produce also helps
eliminate unwanted dirt and germs. Here are ways to get your produce
clean and safe:
- Wash all produce under cold,
running tap water.
- Never use soap or detergents to wash
produce. Fruits and vegetables can absorb their residue — which could
be harmful if eaten.
- As you wash, rub the outer surface
with your hands. Scrub firmer produce, such as potatoes and apples,
with a brush.
- Toss out the outer leaves of lettuce and
other leafy produce, such as cabbage.
