§ Mr. GillTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if in making its recommendations about the daily consumption of fruit and vegetables his Department has taken into account the risk to pregnant women, infants and children of ingesting more than the acceptable levels of organophosphate residues. [50418]
§ Ms JowellOur advice to increase fruit and vegetable consumption is based on the nutritional benefits of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables. In general, residues of organophosphates found in fruit and vegetables are low. High residues have been detected in some individual fruit and vegetables but such residues would erode safety margins rather than cause adverse health effects. We also advise that if fruit or vegetables are to be eaten raw, they should be washed and peeled if necessary, the outside leaves removed and carrots should be topped and tailed.