The U.S. organic sector continues to gain new market share, breaking numerous records in 2016, and has since topped $43 billion in sales, according to the Organic Trade Association’s 2017 Organic Industry Survey. While the overall food market was stagnant, organic food sales increased by $3.3 billion and accounts for more than 5.3 percent of total food sales in the country. Organic fruits and vegetables account for nearly 40 percent of all organic food sales — the largest organic food category. Organic meat and poultry sales increased by more than 17 percent last year to $991 million — the category’s largest-ever yearly gain. Organic dips and spices also continue to see increased sales with $57 million and $193 million sold respectively in 2016. (h/t Specialty Food Association)
Dirty Dozen: Fruits, vegetables with the most pesticides
Nearly 70 percent of sampled produce was found to have significant pesticide residue, according to a new report by one government agency. The biggest offender? Strawberries. The Environmental Working Group released its 2017 list of the “dirtiest” and “cleanest” items in the produce isle. Strawberries, spinach and nectarines took the top spots of shame, while sweet corn, avocados and pineapples were rated the “cleanest.” At least 178 different pesticides were found on the produce, even after they were washed, and in some instances, peeled. Pesticides have been known to cause a number of health issues, including short-term problems like headaches and digestive troubles to chronic conditions like cancer and endocrine disruption. “Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is essential no matter how they’re grown, but for the items with the heaviest pesticide loads, we urge shoppers to buy organic,” said Sonya Lunder, an EWG senior analyst. It’s particularly important to reduce young children’s exposures to pesticides, says Lunder. “Even low levels…