Pesticides in your peaches

Pesticides in your peaches: Tribune and USDA studies find pesticides, some in excess of EPA rules, in the fragrant fruit -- chicagotribune.com:

Yet more evidence supporting the logic in extra costs of Organic produce

Preliminary 2008 U.S. Department of Agriculture tests obtained by the Chicago Tribune show that more than 50 pesticide compounds showed up on domestic and imported peaches headed for U.S. stores. Five of the compounds exceeded the limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency, and six of the pesticide compounds present are not approved for use on peaches in the United States.

These are the types of findings that have landed peaches on one environmental group's "Dirty Dozen" list -- 12 fruits and vegetables that retain the highest levels of pesticide residues -- and give many consumers pause as they shop grocery aisles. It seems that peaches' delicate constitutions, fuzzy skins and susceptibility to mold and pests cause them to both need and retain pesticides at impressive rates.

Although some pesticides in peaches were found at levels well below EPA tolerances, some scientists and activists remain concerned about even low-level exposure, especially to pregnant women and children. They point to studies, for example, that show cognitive impairment after dietary exposure to chlorpyfiros, a pesticide that showed up in 17 percent of conventional peaches tested by the USDA.

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5 a Day - Are you getting enough?

5 a Day Are you getting enough? Tibit's restaurant in Picadilly London launched a National Vegetarian Week campaign today to encourage people to get their 5 a day.

Vegetarian model Juliet was transformed into Eve - an artistic 5 a day installation in tibit's window on Heddon street. Paparrazzi cameras clicked as Juliet took a bite from one of her 5 a day portions - a big juicy red apple that Adam would have been proud of.

tibit's are on a mission to prove that plant foods can be indulgent and sexy and shake off the preconcieved ideas of vegetarian food that some long in the tooth city chefs still cling to.

On thursday tibits plan to elabourate on this theme with a National Vegetarian Week breakfast event for journalists that showcases the top vegetarian products from around the UK. To be added to guest list (Journalists) please visit Tibits National Vegetarian week Event

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UK Top 10 fruit and Veg

BRITS SAY CHIPS BUT NO PEAS PLEASE, SURVEY REVEALS : A survey by the Health Food Manufacturers Association has revealed only 14% of UK adults eat the recommended 5 fruit and vegetables per day and most people (66%) mistakenly believe potatoes can count as one portion towards the daily count of five fruit and veg per day.

Nutritionist, London, Yvonne Bishop-Weston from London Nutritionists Foods for Life says " The 5 a day figure is already artificially low to appear more achievable. The actual consumption to attain optimal health should be more like 3 fruit and 5 vegetables per day. Healthy eaters should also aim for a variety of colours"

The survey also revealed that it's no longer an apple thought to keeps the Doctor away. It's bananas that now appear to be the nation's favourite fruit. Here's the top ten of UK fruit and vegetables.

"HFMA Healthy Nation 2008 – The Nation’s Favourite Fruit and Vegetables

The UK’s top 10 favourite fresh fruit:
1. Bananas
2. Tomatoes
3. Apples
4. Grapes
5. Oranges
6. Pineapple
7. Peach
8. Plums
9. Mango
10. Pears

The UK’s top 10 favourite vegetables:
1. Carrots
2. Potatoes
3. Onions
4. Broccoli
5. Lettuce
6. Cucumber
7. Cauliflower
8. Spring greens
9. Spinach
10. Celery

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Why would you BAN fruit and veg?

Croydon Council to Ban Commuter Fruit and Veg

Yvonne Bishop-Weston has spent over 17 years of her life trying to encourage people to eat more fruit and vegetables. She says "Many of the problems that people bring with them to our clinics are exacerbated by a diet with too few fruit and vegetables"

These days there is hardly a government or NGO concerned with health that don't advocate a greater consumption of fruit and vegetables.

The Food Standards Agency say "Fruit and veg should make up about a third of the food you eat each day. And it's also important to eat a variety. Five-a-day is a good, achievable target. If you count your portions each day it might help you to increase the amount you eat."

The World Health Organisation say "Fruit and vegetables are important components of a healthy diet, and their sufficient daily consumption could help prevent major diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. Overall, it is estimated that up to 2.7 million lives could potentially be saved each year if fruit and vegetable consumption were sufficiently increased."

The NHS say "Fruit and vegetables help set you up for a healthier lifestyle. To get the best health benefits, your 5 A DAY portions should include a combination of a variety of fruit and vegetables.
They're packed with vitamins and minerals.
They can help you to maintain a healthy weight.
They're an excellent source of fibre and antioxidants.
They help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers.
They taste delicious and there's so much variety to choose from.

So you can just imagine Yvonne Bishop-Weston's incredulousness when she discovered that Croydon Council, with an unfathomable display of lunacy, are set to banish a business targetting consumers and tempting them with fresh fruit and vegetables.

"Most council's would be delighted at a healthy eating project like this that is not only saving them money but paying them for the priveledge!" she says

Kurdish Jawher Ahmad Mohammed and Salam Hassan have worked hard over the years to start a fruit and veg stall at East Croydon Station after finding a businessman to lend them the thousands of pounds they needed to start up. Then they had to find more thousands to pay Croydon Council for planning permission, council tax, business rates, and street traders licences. Then there's solicitors fees.

"Croydon Council are obviously trying get themselves nominated for the Christmas Carol Ebineezer Scrooge Bah Humbug award for callousness. They plan to ruin Jawher Ahmad Mohammed and Salam Hassan's business making them unemployed 2 weeks before Christmas. Because they are self employed they probably won't even be entitled to benefit!" says a horrified Yvonne.

Save East Croydon Fruit and Vegetable Stall Campaign

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