Pesticide Reports in the Media

Inaccurate claims by activist groups of unsafe levels of pesticides have been widely reported in the media for years – for example, the so-called “Dirty Dozen” reports. Without science to rebut them, they have largely gone uncontested – until now. A new PMA-supported campaign from the Alliance for Food & Farming (AFF) is providing the produce industry with tools to talk with consumers about this important issue. For more information, visit www.safefruitsandveggies.com, designed for use with consumers and funded by PMA. AFF members can also find talking points on the AFF website.  To learn how to support the campaign, contact AFF.

Additional Resources:

• In this audioblog post, PMA Chief Science & Technology Officer Dr. Bob Whitaker and the Alliance for Food & Farming's Marilyn Dolan discuss the real harm of inaccurate claims made by activist groups about unsafe levels of pesticides in produce on consumers' confidence in the safety or wholesomeness of fresh produce and why the industry must respond aggressively to restore confidence and increase consumption. (July 27, 2010)
• PMA President & CEO Bryan Silbermann guest blogs in this Ask Dr. Bob blog post to explore reaction the “Real Dangers” campaign is receiving from activist groups. What are they afraid of?  (Oct. 14, 2010)
• The New York Times blog Freakonomics explores the truth about produce safety. (Oct. 20, 2010)
• The Center for Consumer Freedom explores the topic. (Oct. 21, 2010)