School fruit and vegetables tested for pesticide residues

The second report for the school year 2008/9 found that the fruit and vegetables supplied to schools met legal standards with regard to pesticide residues levels and that the presence of residues would be unlikely to have any effect on those who ate the food. The report contained the results for apple, banana, carrot, pear and soft citrus fruits. Chairman of the PRC, Dr Ian Brown, said: "These results should provide reassurance that the food supplied to schools as part of this scheme continues to be safe. I can understand that some people have concerns about pesticide residues in their food, but as a doctor I cannot over-emphasise the importance of continuing to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Scientific evidence shows that the health benefits for children and young people far outweigh any concerns about pesticide residues." The full report is available online at: http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/prc.asp?id=826