Protect Your Child Against Pesticides in Food

Many parents worry about the high levels of pesticides found in fruit and vegetables and the affect it may have on their child's health. There is evidence that pesticides contribute to certain cancers and respiratory illnesses.

Fruits and vegetables are important to your child's health. BabyCenter recommends, following the steps below, to cut down tremendously on the amount of pesticides your baby and other family members consume.

• Peel fruits and vegetables, or remove the outer leaves (on lettuce and cabbage, for example).
• Wash fruits and vegetables that you choose not to peel, using a produce wash product (i.e. Fit)
• Serve a wide variety of produce. This will limit repeated consumption of the same pesticide.
• Choose produce that's free of mold, bruises and decay (these are apt to harbor more pesticides).
• Trim the fat off meat and the skin off poultry. Pesticides are also found in these foods, and they're concentrated in the fatty parts and skin.
• Buy organic produce, especially when buying foods in the higher-risk category, like cantaloupe, winter squash, green beans, strawberries, pears, or tomatoes.

According to Consumer's Union, children who eat non-organic tomatoes, strawberries, pears, green beans, or winter squash have odds ranging from 2 to 66 percent of getting more than a safe dose of at least one pesticide.

View our article on our website "Grow Your Own Fruits & Vegetables for your Baby" for more information on how to grow an organic garden.