It is a common misconception that any food that is imported, especially from poorer countries, is bound to be contaminated with pesticides. This is not always the case.
Studies have shown that a majority of the fruits and vegetables that are imported from poorer countries have lower pesticide levels than fruits and vegetables grown in wealthier regions such as the EU.
It is believed that the reason for the lower pesticide levels in poorer countries is purely economic. Foreign farmers cannot afford the cost of pesticides that are used to produce cosmetically perfect fruits and vegetables. When you purchase an imported fruit, you will usually notice the difference in the looks. The foreign fruit is likely to have blemishes, which will usually have no effect on the taste. However, this fruit is not as marketable to the general public. A buyer will gravitate to the ‘perfect looking’ fruit and vegetables. Most consumers think that that beautiful peach is going to be the better peach, but at what cost?
Studies have shown that a majority of the fruits and vegetables that are imported from poorer countries have lower pesticide levels than fruits and vegetables grown in wealthier regions such as the EU.
It is believed that the reason for the lower pesticide levels in poorer countries is purely economic. Foreign farmers cannot afford the cost of pesticides that are used to produce cosmetically perfect fruits and vegetables. When you purchase an imported fruit, you will usually notice the difference in the looks. The foreign fruit is likely to have blemishes, which will usually have no effect on the taste. However, this fruit is not as marketable to the general public. A buyer will gravitate to the ‘perfect looking’ fruit and vegetables. Most consumers think that that beautiful peach is going to be the better peach, but at what cost?
