Pesticides and “green” are not enemies.

Release Date:

2018-05-31

On May 6, CCTV’s Focus Talk program aired a report titled “There’s More to Organic Vegetables Than Meets the Eye,” exposing that vegetables labeled as organic in a major supermarket were found to contain pesticide residues upon testing. Following this incident, in addition to criticism directed at the vegetable‑growing companies involved, the author observed that some members of the public, unaware of the full facts, have turned their ire toward pesticides, portraying them as the root of all evil. In light of this, the author calls for a more rational understanding of the relationship between pesticides, green food, and food safety—these issues are not irreconcilable adversaries. When it comes to green food, the public often assumes that no pesticides whatsoever may be used during its cultivation and production.

On May 6, China Central Television’s Focus Talk program aired a report titled “There’s More to Organic Vegetables Than Meets the Eye,” exposing that vegetables labeled as organic in a major supermarket all tested positive for… Pesticide The lingering issues. Following the incident, in addition to the criticism directed at the vegetable‑growing enterprise involved, the author has observed that some members of the public, who are unaware of the full facts, have also turned their ire against… Pesticide , to put Pesticide It is often portrayed as the root of all evil. In light of this, the author calls for a rational approach. Pesticide The relationship between green food and food safety issues is not one of irreconcilable antagonism.
　　When it comes to green food, the public generally believes that no chemicals whatsoever may be used during its cultivation and production. Pesticide products, but this is not the case. National regulations stipulate that, during the production of green foods, only “the use of chemically synthesized substances and other toxic or harmful inputs is restricted or prohibited,” while low‑toxicity biological agents… Pesticide , mineral source Pesticide and certain low-toxicity, low-residue organic syntheses Pesticide Once it meets the requirements of “Green Food” Pesticide Environmentally friendly according to the “Guidelines for Use” Pesticide The product can be used in the cultivation of green foods. Therefore, green food does not mean that no chemicals are used. Pesticide agricultural products.
　　Even if we take a step back, having fought… Pesticide Are agricultural products really unsafe afterward? In fact, Pesticide Residue and Pesticide Excessive residue levels and exceeding regulatory limits are entirely distinct concepts—one is qualitative, the other quantitative. Data show that China has currently established 3,650 standards. Pesticide Maximum residue limits, covering 387 substances. Pesticide , 284 types (categories) of food, covering nearly all major agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits, and grains. Meanwhile, the state, in formulating standards for these products… Pesticide When setting maximum residue limits, the assessment is based on the highest possible risk; therefore, as long as residues do not exceed the established limits, the product is considered safe and does not pose a threat to public health.
　　If you don’t use any at all Pesticide So, who will ensure the safety and quality of agricultural products? Just as people need medicine when they fall ill, plants require treatment when they’re afflicted—both follow the same principle. During cultivation and growth, crops face a wide array of complex pest and disease threats; once problems arise, reduced yields are only the least of the concerns—quality and safety become far more critical issues. Take foods contaminated with aflatoxins as an example: if consumed, they can easily pose serious health risks. Yet evidence already shows that the scientific use of… Pesticide Can be used for prevention and control. Corn and Peanut Aflatoxin contamination in major crops.
　　None Pesticide Without the development and effective control of these issues, crop yields cannot be guaranteed, and food security would lack a solid foundation. It is certainly a positive sign that, as people’s living standards improve, they are becoming increasingly discerning about what they eat. However, what I wish to emphasize is that pursuing health and using… Pesticide There is no contradiction; green food and… Pesticide They’re not outright enemies either; as long as they’re used properly, Pesticide It will better serve the production of green food.