Do You Know the Origin of Fruits and Vegetables in Your Local Supermarket?

The consumer has the right to know the origin of fruits and vegetables. Currently, the only food product required by law to have its country of origin displayed is seafood. Fruits and vegetables are exempt.

In light of China's problematic imports into the United States, all foods should be required to be labeled with its country of origin. Being comfortable with the origin of fruits and vegetables becomes even more critical in light that Americans should be eating a lot more servings than they now do.

Although there is no law in place, the consumer can feel relatively safe if he purchases his fruits and vegetables locally grown. This can be done through farmer's markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA.)

If the consumer doesn't have access to a farmer's market, or there is no local CSA available, there are some guidelines which are useful. The Center for Food Safety, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Wegmans have put together a guide to assist the concerned consumer.

The origin of fruits and vegetables is also important because other countries may use certain pesticides and herbicides which are banned in the United States. Pesticides so dangerous they are banned in America are shipped overseas and used on products, especially coffee, which are then imported into this country.

Imported grapes have higher levels of chemical contamination than those grown in the United States. The worst are grapes imported from Chile.