Multiple reports have surfaced this week citing the study of a speculated link between levels of organophosphate pesticides in fruits and vegetables and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) published in Pediatrics, an academic journal covering pediatric medicine. United Fresh, however, has cautioned against overreaction to the reports.

"While United Fresh certainly supports ongoing research into the causes of ADHD, but is concerned that misinterpretation of this single study could be counterproductive to children’s health," said President and CEO Tom Stenzel in a statement Monday.

"The U.S. government and public health authorities around the world agree that the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables far outweigh any potential risk of low levels of pesticide residues," continued Stenzel. "In fact, the USDA's 2008 report on pesticide residues referenced by the study found that 98 percent of fresh fruits and vegetable samples had no detectable residue levels at all. Of those few that were detectable, the report states "the vast majority were well below established tolerances," which are determined by rigorous scientific review by the U.S. EPA as safe levels. It is a disservice to imply that the public should be concerned about the safety of fruits and vegetables in general when 98 percent of produce have no detectable residues at all."

"U.S. health authorities recommend that Americans actually need to double their consumption of fruits and vegetables to protect their health. We must be extremely careful not to frighten consumers away from following that overriding health advice," Stenzel concluded.

For additional information on the study, please contact United Fresh at 202-303-3400.