Survey result shows organic wines pesticide free

For immediate release 11 November 2004

Survey result shows organic wines pesticide free

A recent survey of pesticide residues in organic products showed no pesticide residues present in organic wines sampled. The survey, which covered fruits, vegetables and wines, was conducted by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority the government body responsible for food regulation in New Zealand.

Pesticide residues were found in a number of other organic food products, but not in wine. Earlier reports of the results might have given the misleading impression that organic wines in the survey, or grapes used to make organic wines, contained pesticide residues. But this is not the case.

Philip Gregan, Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand Winegrowers said “We are pleased to see that the organic wines tested were pesticide free. The New Zealand wine industry is strongly committed to sustainable production systems through the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand programme. A certification standard for organic production has also been developed in conjunction with the industry and a number of wine producers have certified organic programmes in place. Certification provides consumers with a reliable message that wines are actually made to organic standards.”

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