Ten years after Alar , the well-known apple crisis of 1989, pesticide use on fruits and vegetables has only increased. The health risks associated with pesticides are a parent's nightmare. Foods commonly eaten by children contain multiple pesticides known or suspected of causing brain and nervous system damage, cancer, disruption of the endocrine and immune systems, and a host of other toxic effects. And the levels, say groups like the EWG, are significant. More than half do so by eating an apple, apple sauce, or apple juice.
Kids can still enjoy the health benefits of fresh fruits and veggies.
To be on the safe side, take some simple precautions. Health-food stores, cooperatives, even some large grocery chains sell organic produce. When you cannot find organic, or if the price difference is prohibitive, decrease or even eliminate the worst food offenders-like apples, peaches, strawberries, and red raspberries. Instead, substitute less contaminated, equally nutritious foods. For example, serve blueberries instead of strawberries, or domestic grapes rather than imported, to reduce pesticide exposure.