CropLife Canada responds to a recent La Presse article on pesticide residues

Quebec consumers want to know that the food they’re eating is safe to consume. It’s unfortunate that a recent La Presse article missed an opportunity to combat misinformation and reassure Quebec families that they do not need to be concerned about any trace amounts of pesticides that may be found on their foods.

Pesticides are a tool farmers use to grow healthy, abundant crops by protecting them against insects, weeds and diseases. Both organic and conventional farmers rely on pesticides, all of which are stringently regulated in Canada.

Health Canada is responsible for ensuring all pesticides, whether used for conventional or organic production, are safe for both people and the environment, and that includes taking into account pesticide residues on food. And Health Canada clearly states that there is no health risk from eating conventionally grown foods because of pesticide residues.

It’s also important to understand that simply being able to detect a residue on a food item does not mean there is cause for concern. Regulatory agencies take into account how much potential exposure a person could have to a pesticide to accurately assess the risk. To put this into context, an adult woman could eat 850 servings of apples a day without any negative impact from pesticide residues.

The study referenced by Mr. Sauvé reflects very different numbers than pesticide residues that are tracked and published annually by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The CFIA’s latest residue report shows that there is no trace amounts of pesticide on more than 90% of domestic fresh fruits and vegetables.

A local dietitian, Marie Eve Caplette, recently wrote a blog post on this topic. Her takeaway was that the benefits of fruits and vegetables far outweigh the potential risks of the small amount of pesticide residues they may contain.

The author also demonizes genetically modified crops, which have been safely grown and consumed for more than three decades. These again are part of a whole suite of tools and technologies farmers can choose from to grow the best possible crops. Improved crop varieties mean plants that are more resistant to climate extremes, healthier varieties and plants that are more resistant to pests.

Spreading fear and misinformation about some of the tools and practices farmers use to grow our food – which is among the highest quality and safest in the world – does not serve anyone. Quebec families have a lot on their minds, especially when it comes to affordability and the rising cost of food. While some people may choose to pay a premium for organic products, those that don’t or can’t can rest assured that the food they are buying is safe and equally as nutritious.

Émilie Bergeron

Vice-president, Chemistry, CropLife Canada