"U.S. food does not pose a safety concern based upon pesticide residues."

"If one-half of the U.S. population were to increase fruit and vegetable consumption by one serving each per day, an estimated 20,000 cancer cases might be avoided each year.”

“The newest data from the PDP program confirm that pesticide residues in food do not pose a safety concern for Americans. EPA remains committed to a rigorous, science-based, and transparent regulatory program for pesticides that continues to protect people’s health and the environment.”

“By 2030, more than half of Americans could be obese, resulting in millions of new cases of diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke -- a constellation of illness that could cost the United States up to $66 billion in treatment and over $500 billion in lost economic productivity.”

“For all of us involved in promoting better consumer health, increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables is among our main objectives. The benefits of consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables are absolutely indisputable. Consumers should eat both organic and conventionally grown produce without worrying about minute levels of pesticide residues.”

“As long as they’re eating proper portions, as long as half of their meal is fruits and vegetables alongside their lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy, then we’re good.  It’s as simple as that,”

"You don’t have to eat organic to eat healthily. Eating real food, whether it’s organic or not, is going to do a lot for your health. Any apple is good for you."

“A focus on nutrition in general would be much more beneficial to human health than this misguided focus on extraordinarily small contamination levels of pesticides. Every chemical has toxicity, but it’s all in the dose. The amount of pesticides present as residues on food is miniscule.”

“The amount of pesticide residues that an average person ingests throughout an entire year is even less than the amount of those ‘harmful’ substances in one cup of coffee… Unfounded fears about the dangers of pesticide residues on fruit and vegetables may stop many consumers from buying these fresh, healthful foods. In response, some stores sell “organic” foods grown without synthetic pesticides, but these foods are much more expensive and out of reach of low-income populations. As a result people – especially those that are poor – may consume fewer fruits and vegetables.”

“You can reduce and often eliminate residues if they are present on fresh fruits and vegetables by following these simple tips: Wash produce with large amounts of cold or warm tap water, and scrub with a brush when appropriate; do not use soap.”

“People who ate two or fewer servings of fruits and vegetables a day were significantly less optimistic than people who ate three or more servings a day according to a study from the Harvard School of Public Health. Last year, scientists at Warwick University found that people who ate seven portions of fruit and vegetables a day are the happiest.”

“EWG believes both organic and conventional produce is safe to eat.”