Confused about your food choices lately? You aren’t alone.  But, when it comes to fruits and vegetables we have you covered.  From safety to nutrition to regulations in place to protect you and your family, the Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF) has the information you need.  Here is a quick review of some of the resources available at safefruitsandveggies.com.

Residues

If you’re concerned about residues on produce, use the calculator to learn more.  Simply enter your demographic (man, woman, teenager, child) and your favorite fruit or vegetable, then hit the “calculate” button and you will quickly see how much produce you would have to eat in a day and still not have any health effects from residues (hint: it’s hundreds to thousands of servings).  The calculator is an easy and quick way to be reassured about the safety of your favorite produce.  How was the calculator developed?  It is based on an analysis by toxicologists with the University of California Personal Chemical Exposure Program.

Compare: 

Conventional Lettuce:  A child could eat 1,665 servings in a day without any effects from pesticide residues.

Organic Lettuce: A child could eat 1,339 servings in a day without any effects from pesticide residues.

Washing Your Produce

Did you know that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that washing your produce under running tap water removes and often eliminates any residues that may be present, as well as dirt and bacteria?  And no need to buy produce washes or use vinegar or baking soda – running tap water does the trick.  And never use detergents or soaps to wash produce.  Learn more in the Just Wash It section and AFF blog posts.

Safety Regulations

Safety standards governing the approval and use of organic and conventional pesticides on farms are stringent and health protective.  But also complex.  So the AFF developed its Safety Standards section for easy access to regulations in place to protect farm workers, the environment and consumers.  Who doesn’t like one-stop shopping for the information you need.

Nutrition

Our network of registered dietitians/nutritionists (RDs) have the science-based advice to help guide you in your dietary choices.

Do you want more information on the nutritional benefits of your favorite fruit and vegetables – go to the “A Dozen Reasons to Eat Fruits and Veggies” and the “Fruits and Veggies Under the Health Spotlight” sections.

Do you need ideas for incorporating more produce into your diet?  RDs provide their favorite recipes and usage hacks as well as ways to save money in the “Dietitians’ Quick Tips” section.

Registered Dietitians Sylvia Klinger and Elizabeth Shaw share important consumer information in these recent blog posts:  Understanding Antioxidants – Definition, Benefits and Recommendations and Yes, It’s Safe to Eat! A Dietitians Guide to Confident Food Choices.

All of these RDs have been on AFF Farm Tours and have seen firsthand the care and commitment of farmers to grow safe and nutritious fruits and vegetables for consumers everywhere.

Additional Resources

And there is much more at safefruitsandveggies.com from peer reviewed studies confirming the safety and nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables to government sampling data, videos and more blog posts. The AFF’s website helps you find the answers and information you need to make the best shopping choices for you and your family.

Read, learn, choose but eat more organic and conventional fruits and vegetables every day for better health and a longer life.