Have you read or heard about pesticides lately? Are you interested in learning more? Here is a fast way to learn more about what pesticides are and how they are used safely for food production.

1. V
Insecticides
target
INSECTS
herbicides
target
WEEDS
fungicides
target
FUNGI
A pesticide is any substance or mixture of
substances—natural, organic or man-made—
used to prevent, destroy or manage pests that
cause plant disease.
What kinds of pesticides exist?
Why are
pesticides used?
What’s a
pesticide?
without any impact from pesticide residue,
even if the strawberries had the highest residue
levels ever recorded by the USDA.
How can you further reduce
exposure to pesticides?
While the risk of exposure to pesticide residues is extremely low, here are a few
strategies to further minimize exposure to dirt, bacteria, and any residues.
1,500/ ONE DAYx
a CHILD CAN EAT over
pesticide 101
Conventional and organic farmers have multiple options to protect crops—including
pesticides. Need more information about pesticides? Peruse on!
3FEDERAL AGENCIES
+
STATE AGENCIES
REGULATE PESTICIDES
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Pesticides protect crops
Increase sustainability
Produce more affordable food
How are pesticides tested for safety?
All pesticides are rigorously screened before being allowed for use.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Are pesticide
treated foods safe
to consume?
Pesticide residues, if present at all, are monitored
to fall below safe levels (as determined by the
EPA) for both adults and children.
Yes
Rinse Scrub (for firm produce) Peel Skins Discard Outer Layer
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