Q: I’m concerned about pesticides similar to DDT in produce from Chile. Is it inspected? By whom?— Sandy Kugler
A: Imported fruits and vegetables are inspected and regulated by three federal agencies: the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration.
Checking for pesticide residues is the FDA’s job, though the EPA sets the standards for how much is allowed. The USDA checks for insects.
There are 64 pesticides banned or severely restricted in all products, including imports. A product with any trace of a banned substance — DDT is one — is refused entry.
“Foods found not in compliance — they contain levels of pesticide residues that exceed EPA tolerances, or contain pesticide residues not approved by EPA for use on the food — are considered illegal foods,” FDA spokeswoman Stephanie Kwisnek said.
Though most pesticides have broken down to harmless levels by the time they reach market, about 5 percent of tested imports have unacceptable levels.
Products from the Republic of Chile make up only a small portion of U.S. imports, though there are some exceptions. Imported avocados grown in Chile are second only to those produced in Mexico, our biggest supplier, and 71 percent of our imported grapes come from Chile.
In 2003, products from Chile were the fourth most-tested by the FDA — 313 samples, records show.
No system is perfect, so it’s best to wash your produce with cold or warm water, using a scrub brush when appropriate. It’s good, too, to peel certain fruits and vegetables.
David Migoya wants to get the answers to your consumer questions. E-mail consumertips @denverpost.com or write Consumer Shopping Bag, The Denver Post, 101 W. Colfax Ave. Suite 600, Denver, CO 80202.
