Potentially harmful pesticides could be lurking in fruit and vegetables, it has been claimed. Experts fear illegal levels of chemicals could be contaminating produce grown in Australia and overseas. They believe some of the $180 million imported fruit and veg could be the most problematic, containing pesticides at unsafe levels or at levels which are banned in Australia.

While home-grown foods must meet maximum residue limits for pesticides, there is little or no testing done on overseas produce. Experts fear the risk to health may be unacceptable because of the potential mix - or cocktail - of chemicals. The Australian Consumer's Association is concerned that there is little testing for pesticide residues - particularly on imported produce.

It said there was no evidence of a link between the chemicals and health problems but warned that little is known about the long-term effects. Some chemicals have been linked to cancer, nervous or hormone problems. The Association's Choice magazine reported that, while NSW produce is regularly tested, the national food regulator Food Standards Australia New Zealand only checks for pesticides from time to time.

"Testing is mostly left to the states," Choice spokeswoman Clare Hughes said. "Regular testing is beyond the resources of the smaller states and most of the testing in the larger states is on local produce only." Three hundred pesticides are registered for use in Australia on fruit and vegetable crops. Some are applied during growth and others to protect produce after it is harvested.

Choice called for regular testing on produce on a national scale. In the UK, 4000 food samples are tested each year and there is also a regular system in the US. "We'd like regular, systematic testing on a national basis, with greater testing of imported produce," Ms Hughes said. But the report warns consumers not to cut down on fruit and vegetables, saying the risk of eating less fruit and vegetables outweighs the risks to possible exposure to pesticides.

"Buying organic, peeling and cooking will help to minimise the risks," Ms Hughes said. "There are some things you can do to minimise your exposure."
Tips for avoiding pesticides:

• Peel: Peeling removes pesticide residues from surface of fruit
• Cook: Cooking can break down some pesticide residues
• Organic: Buying organic does not guarantee no pesticides but it will reduce likelihood of pesticide residues

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