Are Apples Safe To Eat? UNIVERSITY PARK (Centre) “In the last few weeks there has been a growing public controversy over the potential harmful effects of a chemical called Alar, which is used by apple growers to retain the crispness of their fruit as it goes to market. It is used primarily in the growing of Delicious, Stayman, and Mclntosh apples. “The federal government believes that it is safe for Americans to eat apples, and the responsible federal agencies are working together to reassure the public of this fact “Recently, the Natural Resour STIRCO MIXERFEEOERS Original Mfg. of tha Reel/Auger 5-Models to Choose From EUROSPAND FERTIUZER SPREADERS From 300 to 1500 Lb. ROU-A-ROOT HAY FEEDERS Keapa Hay Off tha Croud Just Roll It To Clean Area Joseph Swantak, Inc. H.C. 64 - Box 93 - Delhi Stage Oneonta, N.Y. 13820 Phone 607-432-0891 Quality Farm Equipment lor Over 40 Years (Dealer Inquiries Invited) «assr ces Defense Council has claimed that children face a massive public health problem from pesticide residues in food. Data used by NRDC, which claims cancer risks from Alar are 100 times higher than independent scientific advis ory board created by Congress. Alar has been used for decades in apple growing, and it has been the subject of many studies on possi ble harmful side effects. “A recent progress report on preliminary results from an ongo ing study shows that a breakdown product of Alar caused certain Testes LIGHTNING Protection Safeguard Your Personal Property From Natures Deadliest Weapon No. 1 Cause Of All Barn & Church Fires, No. 2 Destroyer Of Rural Residences - Estimates Without Obligation Phone (717) 374-7090 TIM SHAFFER P-O. Box 234, Freeburg, PA 17827 HYDRAULIC DUMP TRAILERS EUROBETON CEMENT MIXER 3-Polnt HNch - Crown Gear Driven WINDPOWER ALTERNATORS PTO Driven -10,000 to 50,000 KW kinds of tumors in mice. Based on this report, EPA has begun the process to phase-out Alar in apple growing if the final data, which will be independently reviewed, demonstrates a need for cancella tion. Cancellation could then occur by July 1990.” EPA believes the potential risk from Alar is not of sufficient cer tainty and magnitude to require immediate suspension of the use of this chemical. EPA and others have pointed to lack of scientific validity in the suggestion by the NRDC that the risk is much grea ter than has been stated by EPA. The Food and Drug Admi- 7-Ton Capacity Shown Other Models Available £3 MIXER FEEDERS nistration of the Department of Health and Human Services, the agency responsible for monitoring pesticide residues in food, found either no residues or residues that are far below EPA’s tolerance. Both FDA and EPA believe that Alar use over this interim period is safe and does not pose a health risk to the American public. Available data show overwhelm ingly that apples carry very small amounts of Alar. In addition, its use has decreased dramatically over the past several years; esti mates ate that 9S percent of the apple crop was not treated in 1988. “It should also be noted that risk estimates for Alar and other pesti cides based on animal testing are Homemaker's CREAMERY (Montgomery) Penn State Cooperative Exten sion is holding their annual spring Homemakers Day luncheon on Thursday, April 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gypsy Rose Hotel, Rt. 113, Rahns. The program for the day will include “Laßue’s Doll Revue,” a historic look at dolls by Laßue Boswell; “Planning for the Future” by Judy Suhy, financial planner; and a bridal style show by Uncut* Farming, Saturday, April 1,1989-B5 rough and are not precise predic tions of human disease. Because of conservative assumptions used by EPA, actual risks may be lower or even zero. 'The FDA, EPA and the U.S. Department of Agricul ture believe there is not an immi nent hazard posed to children in the consumption of apples at this time, despite claims to the contrary.” Therefore, the Federal Govern ment encourages school systems and others responsible for the diets of children to continue to serve apples and other nutritious fruit to American chidlren. This is an issue that will continue to be monitored closely by the responsi ble federal agencies that have acted in the past to cancel pesti cide uses which pose a cancer risk. Day Luncheon the Harleysville Bridal Shoppe featuring styles for mother of the bride as well as bride and atten dants. There will also be a display of crafts and a raffle benefitting the 4-H Center. Cost for the day is $9.75 and includes the luncheon. Deadline for tickets is April 3. For more information, contact the extension office at 489-4315.
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