Pesticide in fruits and veggies down from 5.6% to 0.5%

(ANSA) - Rome, October 31 - Above-the-limit pesticide residue on fruit, vegetables, wine, oil and grains dropped from 5.6% in 1993 to 0.5% in 2012, according to 2012 data released Friday by the health ministry.
    Foods still being found with excessive pesticide residue levels include chard, celery, tomatoes, oranges, lemons, plums, apricots, grapes and bananas.
    Persimmons, figs, pomegranates, nuts, walnuts, oats and buckwheat had a clean bill of health, as did wine and olive oil, according to the ministry.
    The ministry said the results are due to increased vigilance on the part of authorities and increased consciousness on the part of farmers that pesticides are harmful to public health and the environment.