There were no violations in 99.6 percent of the samples. Samples that do not meet the standard can be seized or condemned so they do not enter the food chain. Today's pesticides are used to treat specific insect, weed or disease problems and only very small amounts are required to achieve the desired results. Once used, they are broken down by micro-organisms in the soil or by other environmental factors. In this way, pesticides are biodegradable.
Some natural pesticides are much more toxic than the synthetic pesticides currently in use.
For example, nicotine is a highly toxic natural insecticide. As well, natural fertilizers are not safer than synthetic fertilizers. It can be dangerous to use animal manure as a natural fertilizer when it hasn't been completely composted. Harmful bacteria in manure can be passed on to the soil and any plants growing there. Many people don't realize that pesticides occur naturally in plants.