WASHINGTON -- More than one-third of nearly 9,000 samples of domestic and foreign produce collected and tested during 1999 showed no traces of pesticide residue, according to a report issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
g apples, pears, tomatoes, lettuce, strawberries and cucumbers, as well as grape juice. Only three samples contained between six and 13 residues, according to the report.
The items were collected from multiple sources and screened for pesticides, insecticides and fungicides. Strawberries were noted to contain high levels of fungicides, prompting officials to call on growers of that fruit to develop more modern pest-control methods. Strawberry growers, meanwhile, have renewed initiatives to implement more consumer-friendly options.
Potato Rebate Returns to Stores
MOSES LAKE, Wash. -- The Washington State Potato Commission announced it will again institute a rebate program to run through March. Under the initiative, new participants will receive $0.05 for each 50-pound carton, bale or bag, purchased by between Feb. 1 and March 31, 2001.
Returning retailers will be rebated at a rate of $0.15 per 50-pound unit. However, they must exceed 80% of their prior year rebated totals, and will not receive rebates until the threshold is met, according to officials.
