The State - News from Jan. 29, 1989

A “Food Safety” brochure circulated by the California Department of Agriculture to allay consumer and retailer fears about pesticide residues in food contains “false and misleading” statements, an environmental organization, California Public Interest Research Group--or CalPIRG--contended. A spokesman for the group charged that the state does not adequately test the safety of pesticides before they are used and fails to enforce laws protecting consumers from unhealthy exposure to pesticide residues. The brochure in question bears the agriculture department’s seal and assures the public that the state’s regulations do protect consumers. A department spokesman called CalPIRG’s statement alarmist. “We feel the state’s food is wholesome and safe,” said information officer Veda Federighi, adding, “Our residue testing program proves that.”