More than 7200 registered pesticides, herbicides and fungicides are used in agricultural production in Australia and New Zealand. While these chemicals are considered safe by regulating authorities, some have been associated with health problems.
Unless you eat only what you yourself grow, or buy certified organic produce, it’s likely that the food you buy has been produced using chemicals. Pesticides, herbicides, hormones and antibiotics are often used in farming to boost production.
There are some practical ways to help to minimize your exposure.
- Grow your own vegetables and fruit, it’s the most reliable way of knowing that no harmful substances have been used in their production.
- Purchase produce from farmer’s markets. While some farmers are not certified organic, them may classify themselves as “almost organic”, using natural fertilisers and minimal amounts of chemicals responsibly.
- Wash all fruit and vegetables. Do not use detergent.
- Remove the outer leaves of vegetables and peel non-organic vegetables and fruit to significantly reduce pesticide intake.
- Hormones and antibiotics can be stored in animal fat. Choose lean meat and trim any visible fat from meat before cooking.
GM foods
Genetically modified products are created when microbiologists insert the genetic material from one species into the DNA of another, with the aim of producing improved characteristics, such as resistance to insect pets and pesticides, or better flavour or nutrient content. The risks associated with the consumption of GM foods over the long period of time aren’t known yet, as GM food have only been available for a limited time.
- In Australia, there is a number of GM crops allowed to be grown commercially. These include cotton, soybeans, sugar beet, potatoes and canola.
- About 60% of processed food – important and local – contain GM ingredients, additives or processing. By law, this must be shown on food labels
- Be aware that labels may not tell the whole story. For example, tiny quantities of GM material used in flavorings won’t be listed.
- If you don’t want to consume GM foods, choose products that state they are “GM-free”.
- In a survey, 92% of Australians wanted all GM ingredients labeled, including products made from GM-fed animals.
