According to a survey carried out in 2017 by WWF and Ifop, 93% of French people consider that the presence of pesticides in food has an impact on their health. Figures that perfectly illustrate growing consumer interest for the quality and origin of commercially purchased food products.
Scientific studies are also multiplying to demonstrate that such and such components play a role in the appearance or development of canceror on the fertility. As a result, these foods multiply the labels with more or less understandable information. Among the mentions that can be found, there are two that can cause confusion in the mind of an unseasoned consumer. The first is labeled ” no pesticide residue and the second indicates the character ” Organic therefore biological, without treatment, of a food. So what’s the difference?
Organic foods may contain pesticides from natural products
” THE organic food come from an agriculture that does not use pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. It is possible to use organic fertilizers and pesticides from organic products natural. These pesticides with a few exceptions are not dangerous ” noted Michel Duru Director of Research currently in charge of a mission at INRAE.
Foods without pesticide residues come from conventional agriculture
If we stick to these indications, why are some products labeled not organic, therefore from organic farming, but free of pesticide residues? “Food without pesticide residues comes from conventional farming. However, it is guaranteed that at the time of sale they do not contain detectable pesticide residues. This is possible because as few pesticides as possible are used and the time between application and harvesting of the product is long enough so that there are no traces left. “says the expert.
It is therefore essential information because it can represent a solution for the most vulnerable households modest. Indeed, in 10 years the consumption of organic products has had the wind in its sails by being in perpetual growth (sales multiplied by 3.5). But since 2021, the decline has begun to accentuate in 2023. The rise in prices having diverted consumers from the products with the highest prices, namely the organic ranges.
Pesticide residue-free products can therefore represent a fallback solution while waiting for more reasonable prices. Pesticides being the source of information on the risks to our health.
Thanks to Michel Duru Research Director currently in charge of mission at INRAE.
