We currently live in a reality where the food we eat isn’t always as it seems. We are warned to avoid certain foods due to their effect on our health and instead consider healthier alternatives. However, fresh fruits and vegetables can sometimes carry an invisible price tag — a hidden cost to our health and the environment. This, unfortunately, is the reality for many of the foods we consume daily which are burdened by a heavy load of pesticides.

In 2023, the Environmental Working Group analyzes data collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration to rank non-organic produce with the most pesticides. According to their analysis, nearly 75 per cent of non-organic fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains residues of potentially harmful pesticides.

The crops are grouped into Dirty dozens and Clean Fifteens. The Dirty Dozen refers to a list of 12 fruits and vegetables found to contain the highest levels of pesticide residue, even after washing. These include Strawberries, Spinach, Kale, collard and mustard greens, Peaches, Pears, Nectarines, Apples, Grapes, Bell and hot peppers, Cherries, Blueberries, and Green beans.

The Clean Fifteen, on the other hand, highlights 15 fruits and vegetables with the lowest pesticide residue, making them safer choices for your purchase, they include: Avocados, Sweet corn, Pineapple, Onions, Papaya, Sweet peas (frozen), Asparagus, Honeydew melon, Kiwi, Cabbage, Mushrooms, Mangoes, Sweet Potatoes, Watermelon, Carrots.

Pesticides are chemicals used to control pests like insects, weeds, and fungi. While they protect crops from damage and increase yields, their excessive use casts a dark shadow. The residues left behind can infiltrate our food chain, posing potential health risks to both humans and animals. Due to this health risk, the European Union has banned the use of several pesticides and heavily restricted others. Unfortunately, over 50% of these pesticides are still registered in Nigeria.

This implies high levels of chemicals in our food which exposes us to a range of health concerns, including:

• Disrupted endocrine system: Pesticides can mimic hormones, interfering with hormonal balance and potentially contributing to endocrine disorders like thyroid problems and reproductive issues.

• Neurological damage: Studies have linked pesticide exposure to developmental delays, cognitive decline, and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

• Cancer: Certain pesticides have been classified as probable carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), raising concerns about increased cancer risk with long-term exposure.

To break free from this dependence on pesticides and ensure the safety of our food and our health, the following steps can be taken.

• Choose organic whenever possible: Organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides, offering a safer and more sustainable choice.

• Wash thoroughly: Even with conventional produce, thorough washing with water can remove some pesticide residues.

• Peel fruits and vegetables: Peeling fruits and vegetables can further reduce pesticide exposure, especially for those on the Dirty Dozen list.

• Support local farmers: Local farms often use more sustainable practices, including reduced pesticide use.

• Look for certifications like USDA Organic or GlobalGAP to ensure produce is grown to meet specific standards.

• Advocate for change: Lobby for stricter regulations on pesticide use and support policies that promote sustainable agriculture practices.

Every action, big or small, contributes to a larger movement towards a healthier food system. By making conscious choices, advocating for change, and supporting sustainable practices, we can break free from dependence on pesticides and ensure a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.