PAN UK is in no way trying to be alarmist by publishing this research. Rather, we are aiming to provide the public, in particular parents, with information that can help them make informed decisions. We also hope that parents and other concerned members of the public will use this information [...]

Adults and children alike are continually exposed to a vast range of chemicals. As an example, even within this relatively limited research study, some samples have tested positive for residues of up to 13 different pesticides. There has been little research into the combinatory or ‘cocktail’ effects of exposure to [...]

Not at all. PAN UK recommends eating fresh fruit and vegetables as part of a healthy diet and as a way of encouraging long-term healthy eating habits. A good comparison is air pollution. We know, for example, that London’s air is polluted but would still recommend that children play and [...]

Washing fruit and vegetables is important to remove certain contaminants, particularly traces of soil which may contain harmful bacteria. However, washing is unlikely to remove all pesticide residues, although in some cases it might reduce the level found on the outside of an item. However, due to the systemic nature [...]

Where possible yes. However price and availability may sometimes make it difficult to maintain a completely organic diet. In fact, not all fruit and vegetables are equally susceptible to contamination by pesticide residues. Therefore, if cost or availability are an issue then switching to organic for those items that are [...]

Most people assume that no pesticides are used in organic farming, but, in fact, a limited range of pesticides are permitted. However, it is important to note that organic farming takes a completely different approach to the use of pesticides compared to conventional farming. Most of the pesticides approved for [...]

It is not only fruit and vegetables that contain pesticide residues. Foods such as meat, bread, oats, beans and crisps can all contain residues. However, the main sources for residues are indeed fruit and vegetables. Click here to see lists of which UK food items contain the most pesticide residues [...]

If a substance is classified as a known carcinogen for example, it does not automatically mean that exposure to it will definitely result in the development of cancer. The classification simply means that in tests for toxicity the substance can cause a particular effect. There are many factors that influence [...]

We compared the costs of organic and non-organic produce available from UK wholesalers price lists. The comparison is, of necessity, a snap-shot in time given that commodity prices fluctuate. We looked simply at the price difference between a kilogram of non-organic and a kilogram of organic for the same produce. [...]

At present approximately 30% of the produce for the SFVS is sourced from the UK. PAN UK is advocating that, where possible, more of the produce is supplied by UK organic growers. For example, at present, some of the apples and pears supplied to the SFVS are sourced from Portugal [...]

The SFVS is funded by the UK Department of Health. The UK Government took the decision to opt out of EU funding for the scheme. PAN UK does not know why this decision was taken.

Given all the uncertainties surrounding Brexit this is difficult to answer with any clarity. But many are predicting that the cost of food will rise. As much of the food on the scheme is sourced from the EU it is likely that prices would rise. Without switching to a greater [...]

With Brexit looming, the UK has a choice.  We can lower our pesticide standards, thereby increasing our exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Or we can use Brexit as an opportunity to move away from pesticides and increase support to British organic farmers. This would better protect human health and enable [...]

Yes we can! A study published in 2016 titled “Organic Agriculture in the 21st Century”, shows that organic agriculture could feed the growing world population.2 A switch to organic is not going to happen overnight, but there are many things that could be done to reduce the use and impact [...]