Farming bosses have hit back at newspaper claims that pesticides in food could be triggering a rise in cancer cases.
Reports in several national newspapers quoted research from the University of Liverpool, which claimed low levels of chemicals found in pesticide spraying and plastics were more influential in causing cancer than previously thought.
However, the claims have been strongly rejected by the National Farmers’ Union.
It said that after careful consideration of the paper on which the reports have been based, the NFU says it provides no new information on the possible reasons for increases in the observed rates of various cancers in the western world over the last 35 years.
Paul Temple, NFU vice president, said he was surprised at the coverage: “Unfortunately, this is another study that fails to provide a complete picture. It fails to compare the undisputed benefits of eating fresh produce to the small possible risk associated with the way they are grown.
“This is an area of intensive study that does not produce a clear conclusion in relation to the risks associated with the presence of agricultural pesticides. Some studies suggest increasing risks associated with long-term pesticide use, although not consumption through diet, and others fail to find any link between use and the increased incidence of disease.
“This contrasts with the overwhelming consistency regarding the positive value of fresh fruit and vegetables as part of a balanced diet. There is no controversy in saying that a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables is beneficial to health.”
He hit out at the newspaper coverage, describing it as irresponsible and likely only to have a detrimental effect on consumer consumption of healthy produce.
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