USDA pesticide data shows positive results

Results of a USDA study indicate low levels of pesticide in fruits and vegetables in the US, with its Pesticide Data Program (PDP) report finding “over 99% of all foods sampled had residues well below Environmental Protection Agency safety standards, if residues were present at all”.

The USDA released the 2021 PDP report on December 21 and the findings were consistent with those of previous years. According to the USDA, “Based on the PDP data, consumers can feel confident about eating a diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.”

The USDA uses the data to better understand the relationship of pesticide residues to agricultural practices and to implement USDA’s Integrated Pest Management objectives. USDA also works with US growers to improve agricultural practices and to facilitate the adoption of integrated pest management techniques, including judicious use of pesticides, throughout the food supply chain.