LETTERS: Reports about the presence and dangers of pesticide residue in our food are not new, but they remain worrying as they pose risks to our health.
Studies have shown that long-term exposure to pesticide residue can have toxic effects on the central nervous system and contribute to major health issues such as Alzheimer's disease, cancer and reproductive problems.
Despite government regulations on pesticide application, enforcement is often lacking.
A recent study by the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) found that 87.5 per cent of vegetable samples and 55 per cent of rice samples from outlets in Penang contained pesticides.
Alarmingly, the study also uncovered the use of pesticides banned in the European Union.
This issue is worsened by pests developing resistance to pesticides, which necessitates the use of higher or more potent doses.
Research by Michigan State University in the United States have revealed that more than 500 species of insects and mites have developed pesticide resistance.
In Malaysia, Cameron Highlands Malay Farmers Association president Datuk Syed Abdul Rahman Syed Abdul Rashid said pesticide use increased during hot spells due to the accelerated growth of insects.
While buying organic vegetables is often considered a safer option, it is not foolproof. Organic and conventional crops may also contain pesticide residue.
Kansas State University research suggests that consumers should look for "pesticide-free" labels rather than assuming "organic" means no pesticide use.
Soaking vegetables and fruits in a diluted vinegar and baking powder solution for 10 to 15 minutes can help remove surface pesticide residue.
However, a study by the University of Massachusetts found that those solutions remove only certain classes of pesticides from the surface and are ineffective against those absorbed by the plant.
Reducing pesticide usage is vital for our health, wellbeing of future generations, healthy soil, clean water and biodiversity, ensuring sustainable food production.
The use of pesticides should be a last resort.
Healthy plants are more resilient to pests and less likely to require chemical intervention.
Many insect and disease issues can be managed by hand-picking insects or removing diseased plant parts.
Envisioning an agricultural world without pesticides is achievable.
In 1992, Sweden launched a pioneering pesticide-free wheat production programme, prohibiting the use of insecticides, fungicides and growth regulators.
The successful results of this programme demonstrate that large-scale, pesticide-free wheat production is feasible with government and private entity efforts.
Thus, the question is, when will we take this issue seriously and implement effective solutions before the problems escalate into a national crisis?
DR ASRAF MOHAMED MOUBARK and DR MOHD HAFIZ BAHARUDDIN
Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times