Expert: Richard Clark - 7/10/2009

Question
Hi.Good Greetings. I wash my vegetables thoroughly before cooking so as to remove the pesticides sprayed by farmers. I cant afford organic vegetables. I would like to know if the pesticides are taken internally by the plant via its root. If so, would you consider the level of pesticides in the leafy vegetables taken upward to be not safe. I eat a lot of spinach etc. Kindly advise.
Brenda

Answer
Hi Brenda
Remember when the plant is sprayed it goes on the leaf. The effect of the spray last just a few days on the plant. So you can see the spray does not go into the soil and up the roots. I spray my crops and after a few days I feel safe to eat the plant, I and my family have done this for many years with no effect. From what I have seen washing the leaves remove more dirt than any pesticides.
If the farmer that you purchase your spinach from follows the correct way to apply the pesticide you can feel safe eating that  food.
It is my feeling the organic vegetables are over rated for what you get.
Have a good day,
Richard