Children in England are being exposed to a cocktail of pesticide residues in the fresh produce they receive through the Department of Health’s School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme (SFVS), according to research by Sustain member Pesticide Action Network UK.
PAN UK also found that the levels of residues contained on SFVS produce are higher than those in produce tested under the national residue testing scheme (i.e., mainstream produce found on supermarket shelves).These pesticides have documented potential to harm human health, especially the health of young children who are particularly vulnerable to their impacts.
PAN UK does not propose that school fruit should be withdrawn, but urges the Government to take a precautionary approach. Only around 30% of the produce is supplied from UK growers.This is understandable with bananas, less so with apples. PAN UK would like to see more produce sourced from the UK, and specifically from organic growers. The additional costs, according to PAN's analysis, are not restrictive – approximately 1p per day per child.
Read PAN UK's report, Food For Thought, here.
The Sustain alliance campaigns for greener, healthier and fairer food systems for everyone. Find out more about our activities and support us here.
Published Friday 8 September 2017
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
