Organic versus conventional foods for children

Vegetarian Journal, Jan-Feb, 2004 by Reed Mangels

One of the ways that children are exposed to potentially harmful pesticides is through the foods they eat. When children's diets are compared to adults' diets, we often see that children eat more foods like fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and juices that contain higher levels of pesticide residues. These foods are an important part of children's diets and their use should be encouraged. Some parents choose to use organic foods as much as possible.

A recent study examined differences in pesticide residue levels in children's urine to see if their diet made a difference. Thirty-nine preschoolers in Seattle, Washington, were studied. Parents kept a record of the foods their children ate. If 75 percent or more of the juice, fruits, and vegetables eaten by a child were identified as organic, he or she was classified as an Organic eater. If 75 percent or more of the juice, fruits, and vegetables were conventionally produced, a child was classified as a Conventional eater. Conventional eaters had markedly higher levels of pesticide residue in their urine than did organic eaters. This suggests that, when possible, organic produce should be used.

Curl CL, Fenske RA, Elgethun K. 2003. Organophosphorus pesticide exposure of urban and suburban preschool children with organic and conventional diets. Environ Health Perspect 111:377-82.