Organic Food - Avoiding Contaminated Produce

Author: Amira Elgan

If you've been feeling overwhelmed by alarming news about food lately, you're not alone. We get bombarded with shocking reports and contradictory research about food and nutrition all the time.

Recent reports of salmonella-tainted tomatoes scared many into avoiding conventional and even organic tomatoes, despite the fact that reports involved conventionally grown tomatoes only.

Making matters worse, the identification of tomatoes as the culprit was mere guesswork. People got sick from salsa and pico de gallo, and officials reasoned that tomatoes were the most likely source because they're the main ingredient in these relishes.

Subsequent tests found no salmonella in tomatoes tested.

Now, peppers used in salsa and pico de gallo are suspected, and even basil has been identified as a possible source. Growers of conventional and organic tomatoes, and now pepper and basil, stand to lose millions of dollars, and officials still don't know if any of these conventionally grown foods are to blame -- or all of them.

But headline-grabbing food scares aren't the only source of contaminated produce. Ordinary, everyday conventional produce can be contaminated, too, with pesticides and other toxins.

Of course, the safest and healthiest fruits and vegetables to eat are those grown using organic farming methods. But sometimes you may need or choose to buy conventional produce.

Shop Smart - Be Aware of the Risks

It's important to be aware of which conventional fruits and vegetables present the greatest risk of exposure to pesticides, because not all fruits and vegetables are equal in terms of how much pesticide residue they contain.

This is especially important for children, who, because of their smaller size and state of development, are more affected by pesticide residue in conventional fruits and vegetables they eat. Also: Kids may need to buy conventional products when parents aren't around -- in the school lunch room, for example.

Years ago, a list of especially contaminated foods circulated called "the dirty dozen." But, according an organization called the Organic Center, specific conventional fruits and vegetables pose the greatest pesticide exposure to consumers.

The Center now offers a free pocket guide called "Organic Essentials" that lists fruits and vegetables that come laden with higher concentrations of pesticides than other conventional produce. Download the Free Pocket Guide.

Here is the Organic Center's list:

Domestically Grown Conventional Fruits

1. Cranberries
2. Nectarines
3. Peaches
4. Strawberries
5. Pears

Domestically Grown Conventional Vegetables

1. Green beans
2. Sweet bell peppers
3. Celery
4. Cucumbers
5. Potatoes

Imported Conventional Fruits

1. Grapes
2. Nectarines
3. Peaches
4. Pears
5. Strawberries

Imported Conventional Vegetables

1. Sweet bell peppers
2. Lettuce
3. Cucumbers
4. Celery
5. Tomatoes

What's a consumer to do?

Simply put, be a well informed and educated consumer, especially about food, nutrition and health. Print this list out and take it to the store with you until you've memorized it. After all, we're talking about what you eat and what becomes part of your body.

Look for next week's column, where I'll share important tips on how to master the art of shopping, cooking and eating for maximum health.

More Articles by: Amira Elgan

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