Stuart Coverley's News Roundup for August

More Scares .....

Could organic produce be a greater hazard than that sprayed or genetically engineered? Recent research shows that a million American children under five are exceeding the acceptable safe daily intake of some synthetic pesticides and a minority have exceeded the recommended lifetime dose by the time they are ten. One in five of 700 tested apples had residue levels above the acceptable minimum, with peaches and grapes also a problem.

In an article in Radio Times Dr. Mark Porter draws attention to the work of Professor Bruce Ames of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in California. He considers that the average person consumes 1500 mg of pesticides a day, of which

1499.99 mg are natural, being produced by the plants themselves. He says that half of these natural pesticides in high enough doses can cause cancer and are no safer than the artificial ones. Organic producers select pest resistant plants which probably produce increased levels of natural pesticides.

.... and Microwaves

Cooking or heating food in a microwave oven has been said to lead to severe molecular damage of some of its constituents. Now a recent report links this with changes in human blood. The Environment Health Trust reports that blood samples taken after meals showed a drop in the lymphocytes essential for the working of the body's immune system. Those eating conventionally cooked food did not get the change. There have also been reports of too many restaurant curries containing well over the safety limits for artificial colourings as laid down in the Colours in Food Regulations (1995).

The Duty Free Racket

One year to go before duty free is phased out in Europe so You and Yours called in NfCG for our views. The first part as far as I could tell consisted of mainly local people buying goods at the Dover duty free store, taking them across the channel on the ferry and coming straight back with them at duty free prices. The ferries and airlines quote a loss of jobs and increased fares if the system ceases. But, I pointed out, the phase-out should produce more jobs in England selling normal priced goods.

Moreover, in the duty free shops the cheaper items appear to have disappeared and prices, sherry, for example, may be the same or cheaper in local shops. People travelling do not have time to check and are under pressure to buy a 'bargain' which may not be such good value in reality.

The authentic stuff

Devon violets perfume made in Somerset and 'genuine' souvenirs from the Far East are just two of the problems encountered in the South West. Now a new 'Made in Devon' logo is being encouraged by Devon Trading Standards. The EU has also consented to a new definition of Cornish Clotted Cream, which must now be made in the county. The only trouble is that Devon clotted cream will not be similarly protected unless it adopts the 'Made in Devon' logo.

In-depth Research needed in Water

"What is needed is a long-term water management plan that addresses not only charging methods but also ways of helping consumers adopt water-saving measures such as low-flush loos", says Ruth Evans, Director of the National Consumer Council. "Charging policies should be part of a water management strategy - not a separate issue".

Finding a Basis for Water Charges is a new look by the NCC into various charging methods, ways of saving water and balancing social economic and environmental needs. Of the total water bill, 95% is for essential purposes, garden use on average only accounting for 3%.

Overcharging for Designer Label Goods

Will our Government ever manage to prevent us being ripped off by American firms who refuse to supply their goods to firms who offer them at lower than the firm's recommended price?  A recent Sunday Times article showed the extent of this overcharging. The prices we pay for cars are said to be a problem for the EU who appear just as ineffective. Meanwhile there will be improvements in food labels. From 1st July they will have to show the percentage amount of the main ingredients. It can be enlightening to look at the meat content in some ready-to-cook meals which can be 10% or lower - not really a meat product, just "something dead in gravy"?

Let Us Go TO TESCO

October 7th - a chilly start to Autumn?

On Wed. October 7 we have been invited by an NfCG Corporate Associate -TESCO plc - to visit a distribution centre on the outskirts of Harlow, in Essex. This company link between supplier and supermarkets deals with frozen, chilled and ambient foods, so the visit promises to be both unusual and interesting. It will be cool in parts and freezing in others! -insulation will be provided.

Our visit will be 10 a.m. until noon; it has been particularly arranged that way to enable people to look around Harlow and its environs as well, if they wish, during a day out. [Editorial comment -visit Thaxted, not far away, it is one of the most attractive villages in E. Anglia]. Our Host will be Bob Braund, Tesco s Planning Manager. He promises us an opportunity, over tea or coffee and biscuits, to learn a little about the company and to ask questions.

The maximum number of visitors TESCO can accommodate is 20. Bearing in mind oversubscription of visits that has occurred previously, if you are really keen to go, call Margaret Williams. Tel/fax 01507 601055 or write to her at 14 Gospelgate, Louth, Lincs LN11 9JX, to reserve your places.

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