The threat of pesticide-laden food: Our health is at risk... Is it possible to clean off pesticides?

Pesticides, which are widely used to increase agricultural productivity and combat pests, have become a major topic of debate in the field of food safety today. A pesticide is defined as a chemical substance applied to destroy harmful insects, fungi, and other unwanted organisms. The unconscious or excessive use of these chemicals, which are preferred globally, poses serious risks to human health.

In Turkey, the use of pesticides is closely related to both the health of consumers in the domestic market and international trade. Scientific research conducted in recent years and data from the Ministry of Agriculture reveal that the amount of pesticides used in the country is increasing every year, and in some regions, it has exceeded the world average. Faculty members from the Akdeniz University Faculty of Agriculture point out that the uncontrolled use of pesticides threatens both soil and water resources.

THE PESTICIDE PROBLEM IN TURKEY AND EXPORT REJECTIONS

The problem of high pesticide residues causes issues not only in domestic consumption but also in the export sector. Turkish vegetables, fruits, citrus, and dried nut products sent to various markets, especially European Union countries, are frequently rejected during inspections on the grounds that pesticide residues above the permitted upper limits have been detected. The rejection of more than 150 batches of products by EU countries in 2023 has damaged Turkey's food safety image in the international arena.

Officials from the Istanbul Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association state that strict inspections at ports have increased, while emphasizing that producers need to be educated on the conscious use of pesticides. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announced that inspections and penal sanctions have been increased, and that training and awareness-raising activities for farmers are continuing.

Safe and effective purification methods against pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables continue to be researched for both consumers and exporters. Scientific studies show that one of the most common practices is washing with baking soda water.

Especially for fruits with peels such as apples, pears, and grapes, soaking them in vinegar or baking soda water for 10-15 minutes and then rinsing them with plenty of water can help effectively remove many surface pesticides. Experts from the Ankara University Department of Food Engineering state that washing with baking soda water can remove most surface-active pesticides, but it is not possible to achieve complete success with some systemic chemicals that penetrate into the plant.

Alternative methods include washing with salt water, special food cleaning solutions, and washing by rubbing under plenty of running water. Food safety organizations recommend that leafy vegetables, in particular, be separated layer by layer and washed, and that peels be removed if possible. However, the Ministry of Agriculture and international organizations emphasize that no cleaning method provides a one hundred percent guarantee, stressing that the real solution is the controlled and supervised use of pesticides in agriculture.

It is recommended that consumers develop the habit of reading labels and choose reliable producers to access safe food. For concerns regarding food safety, applications can be made to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, provincial/district agriculture directorates, and various consumer associations. Experts advise consumers to turn to natural and organic certified products when choosing products, to wash products thoroughly with plenty of water before consumption, and to make use of natural materials such as baking soda or vinegar when necessary.

It is of great importance to follow up on the issue and for all parties, from producers to consumers, to act with a sense of responsibility in order to reduce the health risks and export rejection cases caused by pesticide-laden foods. Accelerating control and training efforts for sustainability in agriculture and a safe food supply is seen as indispensable for the country's economy and public health.

News Source: 12punto