Consumers in five countries are demanding safer alternatives to fruits and vegetables treated with pesticide residues and avoiding street vendors, reveals a large study. This indicates the necessity of sustainable pest control and consumer awareness to tackle food safety issues.
Top Food Safety Concern: Pesticides
A CABI-led study showed that pesticides are a common cause of concern about food safety among consumers in Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, Pakistan and Uganda. The report indicates that consumers who expressed misgivings about pesticide residues are more likely to buy fruits and vegetables in specialist shops and refrain from buying them from street hawkers.
The results speak to consumer awareness of increasing health risks from exposure to pesticides. Although consuming fruits and vegetables is critical for a balanced diet few people in sub-Saharan Africa eat the recommended amounts by the World Health Organization, showing food safety concerns are hindering consumption of these nutritious foods.
Common Sources of Pesticide Worries
Scientists argue that strong consumer concern about pesticide residues stems from various reasons. Of first concern, the intense application of synthetic pesticides and poor acceptance of non-chemical pest control practices (including cultural, physical, biological) in fruit and vegetable cultivators in the studied countries. Among farmers, the chemical pest control is used by 77% in Kenya to over 90% in Bangladesh, Ghana, and Pakistan with weeds at their number one target followed by pests and diseases, half of these farmers still apply pesticides on a weekly basis.
In turn, consumer perspectives on how great a risk pesticides pose compared to other food risks, or perceptions created through advertising or media coverage can all be drivers of organic demand. The data show that perhaps only 56% globally had been exposed to information on food safety, with the lowest coverage in Pakistan and Uganda, where less than half of respondents had received such information. The information and knowledge gap around food safety issues, especially Pesticides might be exacerbating the increased consumer anxiety.
Conclusion
Previous findings from this study have increased the pressure to alleviate consumer worries about pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables. Encouraging sustainable pest management techniques, like Integrated Pest Management (IPM), can decrease our dependence on chemical pesticides and also improve the supply of healthier produce. Strengthening regulatory controls for pesticide safety, monitoring and consumer education campaigns will enhance confidence in food safety and help drive up demand for fruits and vegetables.
