Two thirds of grapes contain pesticide residues

Pesticide residues exceeding EC-recommended levels have been discovered in grape samples by Government inspectors, who admitted that some residues were high enough to upset toddlers' stomachs. Two thirds of all grape samples tested last summer contained some level of residue, according to a report published by the Pesticide Residue Committee [PRC].

Even more alarming is that chlorpyrifos - an organophosphate pesticide - was among the residues found. Its use on grapes was severely restricted in the US last year to protect the health of young children. One sample of white seedless grapes from Israel - sold in Somerfield - contained chlorpyrifos at illegal levels. A total of 28 different pesticides were found in grapes, with almost a third containing multiple residues. Some individual samples had five different pesticides in them.

More than a quarter of apple juice samples were also shown to contain the fungicide carbendazim. This has been found to effect the production of sperm and damage testicular development, as well as cause birth defects in rats. Carbendazim is on an EC list of substances suspected of disrupting hormones. Only small amounts of this pesticide were found, but hormone disrupters can have an effect at low levels. Apple juice brands which contained carbendazim include Copella, and Safeway's, Sainsbury's and Tesco's own brands. The PRC tested one organic apple juice - from Tesco - and this was free of any residues.

The PRC also tested peas, rice and burgers. Peas and burgers were free of residues, but rice samples were found to have residues of methyl bromide due to fumigation for storage and transport. The three organic samples tested were residue-free.

"Once again, dangerous pesticides have been found in foods which should be a safe and healthy part of our diets," said Sandra Bell, Real Food Campaigner at Friends of the Earth. "No-one knows what long-term health effect these chemicals may have, particularly on children. FOE has written to major supermarkets this week urging them to ban hormone disrupting pesticides. They should draw up a hit list of the most risky pesticides and make sure their suppliers, both here and abroad, avoid them. The Government must take urgent action to reduce the amount of pesticides used on our food. The forthcoming budget should tax pesticides and use the money to reward farmers who grow food people want - without toxic chemicals."

FOE is backing the Organic Food and Farming Targets Bill which aims for a significant increase in organic farmland in the UK and increased access to organic food for all.