NZ mustn't be complacent on pesticide exposure through food

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority's latest report shows children are the most at risk of being most exposed to pesticides in food, Green Party MP Steffan Browning said today.

The results come from the Total Diet Survey, which is a five yearly insight into our diet run by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

"The 10 percent reduction in detected pesticide residues since the last Total Diet Survey is very good news," said Mr Browning.

"However, we should not be complacent given DTC fungicides have more than doubled, and the highest exposures are in the youngest children, by eating apples, potatoes, and brassicas.

"40 percent of infant pesticide exposures were due to DTCs. They affect the hormonal system, and exposure in developing children may result in effects on their learning ability, behaviour, reproduction and increased susceptibility to cancer.

"In future surveys of this kind I consider the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries should take into account the combination of many pesticides eaten daily by children.

"Research shows in combination pesticides can be more toxic at lower doses," said Mr Browning.

"The best way of totally avoiding pesticides residue in our food is to eat organic food."