Our science, however amazing, takes time to develop and relies on trial and error.
In 1919 we had an understanding that the lead and arsenic that was being sprayed on fruits and vegetables never fully washed off and even made its way past the skin barrier. We also began to understand the toxic effects these chemicals had on us.
It was not until 1947 that this practice was replaced... with DDT. This was our miracle crop protector. This now known carcinogen and dangerous chemical was not banned until 1988.
Are we seeing a pattern yet? Our science and 'progress' is replete with these timelines and stories of innovation leading to devastation, fuelled by greed not a desire to provide. Agent Orange, DDT, lead and arsenic are still to be found in many of our imports, food and otherwise.
What else is being used nowadays on our foodstuffs and production lines? From BPA to melamine to that latest terminator pest-herb-life-icide, we simply don't know the long term ramifications. We can't, not until the proof is in the pudding so to speak which is invariably to late for many of us.
Choose organic and local where and when you can. Beyond the environmental ramifications of transportation and run-off, eating food is what we are really designed to do, everything else has a cost. Choose food with real, lasting value, choose to stay well.