DOH says backyard veggies, fruits safer to eat

THE health department is encouraging people to eat vegetables and fruits grown in their backyards and stay away from chemicals used by farmers in producing these in commercial volumes.

Parolita Mission, head of the National Nutrition Council warned of the health hazards, chemicals used as pesticides and fertilizers by farmers in growing vegetables and fruits.

“If the food they are taking comes from their own backyard they will be assured that it is more likely cleaner and safer,” Mission said.

She said that illnesses like cancers, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are the result of poor body nutrition and ingestion of toxins found in food.

In Cebu, Mission said the Dept. of Health has been actively promoting organic farming through the Cebu Farmers Associations and in promoting organic vegatable gardening in schools. /Correspondent Careen L. Malahay