Organic oranges

We applaud Howard Markland’s letter (January 9) urging New Zealanders to choose local oranges over imported ones. We would like to improve on this by urging readers to choose organic oranges, which, in our experience, are even tastier. Organic oranges also have the advantage of not having been treated with pesticides and their growers don’t pollute the environment.

Unfortunately, non-organic oranges feature prominently in New Zealand’s ‘‘Dirty Dozen’’, food available in New Zealand more likely to contain pesticide residues.

An analysis of government residue testing showed more than 98 per cent of oranges had residues, with a total of 16 pesticides being found. Some of the pesticides found have been shown to contribute to cancer progression, cause birth defects, genetic and hormonal damage, attack the immune system, and cause brain damage in children, even at minute doses.

The authorities tell us these residues are of no concern. However, many of these pesticides have not been adequately tested to see what effects they may have, particularly in the long term. The testing that is carried out does not reflect actual human exposure to a multitude of chemicals.

Adding to this, we know that various pesticides used to grow food have damaging effects on wildlife and the ecosystem.