NV Prof Raises Health Risks Over Tomatoes

A university professor here recently alerted villagers over the health risks of copper oxychloride-laden tomatoes publicly sold in public markets in the province.

Professor Jonar Yago, research and development director of the Nueva Vizcaya State University, said the chemical-laden tomatoes are vastly displayed in this town’s public market.

“This is an unhealthy way of treating tomatoes, of prolonging its shelf life because the pesticide residue level is high which causes colon cancer,” he said.

Yago said he has posted this concern over his facebook account and raised the issue through the Mayors’ League but nothing happened.

He also appealed to consumers on their vigilance and awareness over the copper oxychloride-laden tomatoes being rampantly practiced by farmers in the province.

“I understand that our market vendors are making their living, thus, resulting to do risky ways in preserving the freshness of their goods but it does not excuse them in posing health threat to us-the consumers,” Yago added.

He said he is willing work with others in raising awareness to all consumers regarding the unscrupulous farming practice.

The professor has been awarded with national recognitions because of his researches that had major impacts on agriculture. (ALM/BME/PIA 2-Nueva Vizcaya)