Debbie - About.com User
The confusion about strawberries and birth defects is probably due to a list of the pesticide levels found on fruits and vegetables that was published by the Environmental Working Group. According to this study, strawberries rank high on a list of fruits and vegetables that contain pesticide residues. Pesticide exposure may increase the risk of birth defects. However, that elevated risk is typically due to occupational or environmental exposure to pesticides.
All commercially grown strawberries contain low levels of pesticide residues unless they are grown organically. These levels have been determined to be safe, even for pregnant women. However, the Environmental Protection Agency suggests that to reduce your exposure to pesticides, you should wash or peel all fruits and vegetables before you eat them and purchase your produce from a variety of sources to reduce your exposure to pesticides.
The best way to reduce pesticide exposure is to buy organically grown strawberries, as well as other organic fruits and vegetables. Choosing organic produce will help prevent exposure to any residues because organically grown crops are not treated with synthetic pesticides.
Sources:
US Environmental Protection Agency. "Pesticides and Food:
Healthy, Sensible Food Practices." Updated August 3, 206.
Thulstrup AM, Bonde JP. "Maternal occupational exposure and risk of specific birth defects." Occup Med (Lond). 2006 Dec;56(8):532-43.
