Large amounts of chemical pesticide are used in conventional farming, and these leave a small residue in the foods that are produced.
The widespread use of pesticide resulted the contamination of air, drinking water and food. Any improperly used chemical in the farm cam pose a potential hazard, pesticide usages and residues on crops raise the greatest concerns for protecting the food supply against chemical contamination.
In 1987, the FDA found pesticide residues in 50% of the fruits and 41% of the vegetables it samples – detect less than one-half of the pesticide likely to leave residues on food.
When people eat foods containing pesticide, traces of the compounds remain in their body.
Some research has indicated a link between pesticides and certain cancers, as well as possible links between pesticide and birth defects and nerve damage.
Pesticide in food
