Episode 73: What You Need to Know About Pesticides in Our Food

Welcome back to The Easy Feed. In this episode, I'm unpacking an issue that has sparked plenty of concern—pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables, and what that means for our children's nutrition. This conversation follows my recent appearance on Sunrise Channel 7, where we explored the latest findings on blueberries and pesticide testing. The research revealed banned chemicals showing up in local samples and raised questions about outdated safety guidelines. As a paediatric dietitian, my focus is always on keeping food both safe and nourishing. Fruit and vegetables are essential for children's health, so we need practical, evidence-based steps to reduce risks while ensuring our kids still enjoy plenty of nutritious foods. In this episode, I'll share what the science says, how regulators are responding, and most importantly, what you can do at home right now.     Highlights from this episode: Blueberries under review – Why recent testing has uncovered banned pesticides and what that means for families. Safe exposure limits – How outdated data may underestimate the risks for children who eat far more berries today than 30 years ago. Washing and soaking methods – Running water vs bicarbonate solutions: what actually works best for reducing pesticide residues. High-risk foods to watch – The "dirty dozen" produce items that tend to carry higher residues and need extra care. Safer swaps and balance – The lower-residue "cleaner" options you can mix into your child's diet for peace of mind.     Show notes & resources Explore my Healthy Recipes for Kids: https://nourishwithkarina.com/healthy-recipes-for-kids More nutrition tips and resources available at Nourish with Karina