French interprofessional organisation Interfel has reacted strongly to an article that appeared in French weekly magazine Le Point on 26 February. The article, entitled “Poison on our plates”, condemns the use of phytosanitary products by fruit and vegetable producers.
Interfel complained that the article “ignored all those producers that battle every day to farm responsibly, in a way that is respectful of the environment and the consumer, and want nothing more than to reduce the use of phytosanitary products as far as is possible by favouring integrated pest management”.
The organisation wished to remind consumers that the sensible use of phytosanitary products was necessary to guarantee decent production levels and satisfy demand, while stressing that maximum residue levels were not a limit based on food safety but an agronomical limit guaranteeing the use of good agricultural practices and respect for the environment.
Gilles Vignaud, president of Interfel, said that professionals in the sector remained committed to “favouring alternative solutions to the use of phytosanitary products that respect the health of consumers and deliver product quality”.
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