Is Our Food Making Us Sick? New Study Links Pesticides to Cancer

Selva Karthik
Mar 1
3 min read

Updated: Jul 8

Food is meant to nourish our bodies, but for many, it has become a source of concern. A recent study revealed that over 50% of food samples in India contain pesticide residues, sometimes exceeding safe limits. This raises alarms, especially with the rising number of cancer cases across the country. Health experts and environmentalists are increasingly scrutinizing the excessive use of pesticides and insecticides in agriculture, as these harmful chemicals often remain in food, posing serious health risks.

Dr. Sudeep Khanna, senior consultant gastroenterologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, explains that over 1,000 pesticides are used globally to protect crops from pests. However, these pesticides are not without their consequences. Studies have linked pesticide exposure to a range of health issues, including reproductive problems, respiratory and neurological disorders, and a heightened risk of cancer.

Dr. Sarita Rani Jaiswal, Senior Consultant and Program Director of Haematology and Haploidentical BMT at Dharamshila Narayana Super Speciality Hospital in Delhi, emphasizes that there is a concerning correlation between pesticide use and specific cancer types, particularly hematologic cancers like non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and leukemia. Studies also suggest an increased incidence of prostate and brain tumors, especially in agricultural populations with high pesticide exposure. Organophosphate pesticides, in particular, have been shown to disrupt cellular functions and cause DNA damage.

Additionally, studies published in Environmental Health Perspectives indicate a potential link between certain pesticides and an elevated risk of childhood leukemia. Long-term, low-level exposure to these chemicals, often overlooked, also poses a significant health risk.

A 2022 study in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health found that 40% of food samples from Indian markets contained pesticide levels exceeding the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Crops like tomatoes, spinach, and grapes were among the most contaminated.

The Solution: Richhariya farms

While these statistics are concerning, there is hope. Embracing natural, chemical-free farming practices is a solution that benefits both the environment and our health. Decades of pesticide use have led to contamination of our river and groundwater, which can still leave traces of chemicals on organic produce. But the residue levels are significantly lower than those found in chemically grown food.

We at Richhariya farms practise Organic farming, which avoids all synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, relies on natural methods like crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control. Click here to see all our traditional rice varieties

The Harsh Truth About “Organic” certificate in India:

However, it's important to note that "organic" label does not mean entirely pesticide-free. India's organic certification system is so flawed that its impossible to say if a product is organic with just a label unless you know the authenticity of the producing farmer.

At Richhariya Farms, our journey began by partnering with organic stores across India to sell our traditional, chemical-free rice. But over time, we uncovered an unsettling reality: many so-called organic stores were selling adulterated products. What appeared to be organic on the shelf was, in fact, ordinary hybrid rice grown with chemical fertilizers and pesticides—masquerading as traditional, healthy grains.

❌ The Problem:

Widespread Adulteration: Ordinary, chemical-laden hybrid rice is indistinguishable in appearance from genuine organic varieties, making it easy for sellers to deceive customers.
Unreliable Certifications:Many products sold with “organic certification” in India are not truly organic. Certification processes are poorly regulated and can be easily manipulated.
Profit-Driven Misuse: Just as farmers were once pushed to use toxic chemicals during the Green Revolution for short-term gains, today’s retailers are driven by profit over purity, often compromising consumer trust and health.

The Growing Health Crisis

The link between pesticide-laden food and cancer should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, farmers, and consumers. With cancer cases expected to rise by 12% in the next five years, this is no longer a matter of choice—it is a public health imperative. Immediate action is needed, including stricter regulations on pesticide use, more comprehensive research on its effects, and a transition to sustainable, chemical-free agricultural practices.

The time to act is now. Supporting organic farming practices and choosing pesticide-free food can play a vital role in safeguarding our health and that of future generations.

Organic food offers exceptional health benefits, though it may be more expensive than chemically grown produce. The growing body of evidence highlights the need to prioritize sustainable agricultural practices to nurture both people and the planet.

Join our Traditional organic rice movement by purchasing our Traditional rice led a healthy life.