Topic 3: Part G

Question 1

Pesticides/Agriculture Chemicals

Answer 1

• chemicals used to control, prevent, or eliminate the growth of insects, diseases, weeds, fungi, and other pests on plants, vegetables, fruits, and animals

Question 2

terms under the umbrella “pesticides”

Answer 2

herbicides (weeds) insecticides (insects) fungicides (fungus)

Question 3

what fraction of conventionally grown crops have pesticides?

Answer 3

3/4

Question 4

Where are pesticides regulated?

Answer 4

the Pest Control Products Act

Question 5

what must pesticides registered by?

Answer 5

Agriculture Canada (Pest Management Regulatory Agency)

Question 6

how long does it take for a pesticide to become regulated?

Answer 6

usually takes ~5 years, after approval, re-evaluated every ~15 years

Question 7

what two terms are established in the creation of a pesticide?

Answer 7

ADI and MRL

- acceptable daily intake and maximum reside limit is established

Question 8

what kinds of foods increase the amount of pesticides?

Answer 8

• extracts/oils

- dry/dehydrated foods

Question 9

are the majority of Canadian grown produce and imported foods meeting permitted levels?

Answer 9

no, the majority have residues below permitted levels

Question 10

veterinary drugs

Answer 10

• must be assessed for potential to leave drug residues in edible tissue/milk/eggs
• comprehensive studies to assess safety are required

Question 11

things included in veterinary drug testing

Answer 11

• carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, teratogenicity, and effects on the reproductive system

Question 12

Vet drugs #1 Growth hormones

Answer 12

• used to enhance the growth of specific cells and increase food efficacy in animals
• permitted for use in Canada/Us
• scientific evidence does not show any adverse health effects to humans

Question 13

growth hormone and prices

Answer 13

• the use of growth hormones in beef helps to keep beef prices reasonable for consumers

Question 14

growth hormone bST

Answer 14

not permitted to be used for milk cows in Canada

Question 15

example of places where growth hormones are not regulated

Answer 15

• Puerto Rico, there are cases of children as young as 7 who are physically adults, thought to be a result of growth hormones used in chicken

Question 16

Vet. drugs #2 - Antibiotics

Answer 16

• used to treat infections that affect animal health
• animals raised with antibiotics can have residues in meat and milk
• MRL’s (maximum reside limits) are set by Health Canada

Question 17

safety requirements between antibiotic and slaughter

Answer 17

• regulations require a specified time between time of medications and time of slaughter to allow for drug metabolism and excretion