3/11/25: Fearmongering about Fruit ( & Vegetables); Pesticide Residue Calculator; Buzzwords that Sell Processed Foods; Food Additive Ban in WV - Not the Most Important Thing; & more
Because EVERYBODY EATS
Since it’s National Nutrition Month (NNM) we’ll make this issue FREE. If you become an ANNUAL subscriber in February, we’ll donate $5 to World Central Kitchen AND give YOU 10% of annual subscription.
😱Return of the EWG
Like the swallows of Capistrano, it’s time for the annual dreaded return of the fearmongers known as Environmental Working Group (EWG). Every year they like to release their “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15” lists, usually in mid-March or early April. Fortunately, for the past few years the press has been passing on the EWG’s exaggeration and misinformation. We’ll see what this year, thanks to the MAHA-influence, will bring!
“…reputable scientific examination of EWG’s hyperbolic claims has found them scientifically lacking. A scientific study published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Toxicology found the Group’s methodology “lacks scientific credibility.”5 The same study additionally concluded that “substitution of organic forms of the twelve commodities for conventional forms does not result in any appreciable reduction of consumer risks,” refuting EWG’s pro-organic implication.5
Others have criticized EWG’s emphasis on pesticides as out of proportion to the benefits of eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Science writer James McWilliams criticized EWG’s report, noting that EWG itself wrote, “[…] the EWG’s shopping guide is not built on a complex assessment of pesticide risks.”16 Commentators have also criticized the EWG “dirty dozen” list for needlessly spooking mothers.17 Others have concluded that EWG’s list discourages people from eating any fresh produce.18” Environmental Working Group (EWG) - InfluenceWatch - InfluenceWatch “
Bottom Line: “It is easy to scare people about chemicals if proper context is not provided. Remember that we are exposed to thousands and thousands of chemicals every day, the vast majority from natural sources.”
The Environmental Working Group Is Scaring Us Again - Or Is It? - Seed World
🐛🪰Pesticide Residue Calculator
Try it for yourself! Here: Pesticide Residue Calculator - Safe Fruits and Veggies
🤔❓From our Facebook Group
Answers:
Sarah P. “I ask the patient “so no garlic, cauliflower, milk, yogurt, eggs?” They usually say, “but aren’t those good for you??” Then we have a conversation about white foods that are better for you options and all foods can fit. It’s about how much, how often, (and) with what else.”
Tuesday E. “I tend to have a snarky take on this... I have said, directly to the doctor, "but cauliflower and milk are white." I understand what the doctor was suggesting, but this statement left my patients confused and scared to eat. I often wonder how many patients, who were told this, didn't come to see me to get personalized recommendations, and just cut out all the white stuff.”
Deb P. “While I’m certain his/her intent is to be helpful and keep things easy, it’s more complicated than that, and excluding a large group of foods is unhealthy. I try to always respect other medical disciplines and not completely discredit their advice. I’ve found doing this helps build rapport with providers and patients.”
Kayla G. “I laugh and say “the doctors can be old school sometimes, let’s talk about the foods you CAN eat, it’s way more encouraging””
🛒“Buzzwords that Help Sell Processed Foods”
Via CSPInet.org
What are some of the buzzwords you’re seeing on product packaging in the supermarket, on Amazon or at food shows like Expo West?
In this piece by CSPI they look at some examples like:
-Protein
-Immunity Support
-Lower Sugar
(and others)
Which ones have you seen on packaged foods?
🏦West Virginia’s Food Additive Ban Misses Point
In case you missed it, West Virginia’s House Bill 2354, approved by the state Senate on March 5, 2025, with a 31-2 vote, “…prohibits the sale of food products containing seven synthetic dyes and two preservatives, citing health concerns for children and families.”
Let us know if bills like this are happening in YOUR state and what your concerns are.
Substack: The Green Juice Effect: Why West Virginia’s Food Additive Ban Misses the Point
Jessica Knurick, PhD, RDN
“…If the goal is truly to improve health outcomes, then West Virginia’s leaders should be focusing on meaningful policy changes - expanding access to affordable healthcare, addressing economic disparities, improving food accessibility, and investing in public health programs that tackle the root causes of chronic disease. Instead, they’re choosing to pass performative bans that fail to address the real crisis at hand….”
🍼🥪2 Food Safety Committees Shut Down
The Trump Administration Shut Down Two Food Safety Committees - NOTUS (Allbritton Journalism Institute)
USDA eliminates two food safety advisory committees | Reuters
These committees were involved with looking into bacterial contamination in infant formula and the listeria outbreak in lunch meats.
👩🏽⚖️Predatory Law Firms & Processed Foods
😜🤪Gotta give those predatory law firms something to focus on besides glyphosate!
✅ Substacks about food we recommend:
“The Grocery Edit” by Canadian RD Brittany Raftis click HERE