Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

When producing food, pesticides are commonly used to control pests such as insects, rodents, weeds, mold, fungi, and bacteria.  Legitimate concern over pesticide use has increased because while they protect food and us from pests, exposure to pesticide chemicals can be linked to certain acute and chronic human health problems.  However, the ability of consumers to identify food products that have been treated with pesticides is challenging.  Current law only requires that the shipping containers of raw agricultural products be labeled to identify the use of pesticides.  If the food product is removed from the shipping container and sold at retail, the declaration is no longer visible to the consumer. 
 
Therefore, I will be introducing legislation to require that any raw agricultural product removed from its shipping container shall also bear a label declaring the presence of a pesticide chemical applied after harvest.  Additionally, any declarations must clearly and conspicuously identify the chemical, its common name, and function.  Without such a declaration, the commodity would be deemed misbranded. 
 
Pennsylvanians have the right to be informed about the food they consume or offer to their families daily, especially if the product is contaminated with pesticide residues.  Show your support for this important legislation that will allow Pennsylvanians to be informed consumers.