Guardian Feature on Chemicals in Food and Drink

Archived

Monday, 17 May 2004

This weekend, The Guardian published the second in their 'Chemical World' series entitled Food and Drink. This edition looks at the chemicals we ingest in our food and its effects - where they are known! Dr Vyvyan Howard is quoted on the cocktail effect of pesticides: "To test just the commonest 1,000 toxic chemicals in combinations of three would require at least 166m different experiments. But when we do look, we find surprising interactions. The only logical way forward is to reduce exposure as much as possible."
Different common foods and the diets of six individuals are examined, and the rise in cancer rates, the effects on children and fertility discussed. It all makes for very disturbing reading but of the in the 'Twenty Ways to Cut Out Chemicals' feature, No 1 is Eat Organic!

To read more visit: www.guardian.co.uk/chemicalworld