Putting the Toxicology and Risk Assessment of Approved Organic Pesticides in Perspective

摘要

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) is not a safety standard. The certified organic label does not mean that produce has been grown without the use of pesticides or that foods labeled as organic are more nutritious, safer, or of higher quality than foods produced by conventional agriculture. The NOP, which went into effect on October 21, 2002, provides marketing guidance on grower certification, methods and practices for organic food production and specifies whichchemical substances can be used in organic food production and handling operations. NOP pesticides are subject to the same regulatory oversight as conventional pesticides and, if not used according to the labeled specifications, may pose significant risks to consumers, the environment, and workers. Allegations about environmental and food safety issues and exaggerations about the benefits of organic products have fueled misconceptions and misrepresentations about conventional agriculture. Consumers should have the option to choose between organic and conventionally grown foods, but this choice should be based on factual and not misleading information.