Not Wonderful, The Wonderful Company is Spraying Toxic Paraquat on pomegranates and pistachios

Introduction: When a company promotes the health benefits of its products, we expect it to prioritize the well-being of its workers and the communities it serves. Unfortunately, Wonderful, the company behind popular brands like POM pomegranate juice and Wonderful pistachios, falls short in this regard.

The Issue: A recent analysis by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reveals that Wonderful is the second-largest user of toxic paraquat in California. In 2021 alone, the company sprayed over 56,000 pounds of paraquat on its pomegranate, pistachio, and almond trees. Paraquat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has been linked to serious health risks, including Parkinson’s disease, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and childhood leukemia.

The Urgent Call: We all vote with our dollars daily. Perhaps it’s time to change the brand you purchase, let this company know your thoughts and go organic ?

Why Paraquat Is a Concern:

1. Health Risks: Paraquat is so toxic that it has been banned in more than 60 countries. The EPA has even prohibited its use on golf courses. Workers who handle paraquat are more than twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease compared to those using other pesticides¹.
2. Environmental Impact: Paraquat can drift away from farmland, affecting nearby communities. This poses a risk to public health and the environment.

Regulations:

The EPA continues to defend its use in the U.S., despite mounting evidence of its negative impact on human health.

Fifty-eight countries, including China and members of the European Union, have banned paraquat due to its extreme toxicity, including its connection to Parkinson’s disease¹. Some of these countries include Austria, Denmark, Finland, Kuwait, Slovenia, Sweden, Chile, Germany, Hungary, South Korea, Indonesia, and Togo².

Health Benefits:

Pomegranates are significant in terms of their health benefits. They include being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatant,  have anti-cancer and  heart benefits, and might be helpful for your urinary tract.

                  Rich in Antioxidants:

• • Pomegranates contain an array of antioxidants, including punicalagins, anthocyanins, and hydrolyzable tannins.
  • These antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, supporting overall health and preventing chronic diseases¹.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
    • Chronic inflammation is linked to conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
    • Pomegranates may help prevent inflammation due to compounds like punicalagins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
    • Research suggests that consuming pomegranate juice can reduce certain markers of inflammation¹.
    • Anticancer Effects:
      • Studies indicate that compounds in pomegranate exhibit anticancer properties.
      • Animal research shows that pomegranate can slow tumor growth in early-stage liver cancer.
      • Older research suggests potential benefits for prostate cancer as well¹.
      • Heart Health Benefits:
        • Pomegranates may support heart health by:
          • Reducing blood pressure
          • Improving cholesterol levels
          • Enhancing blood flow
          • Protecting against atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
        • Regular consumption of pomegranate juice has been associated with these heart-protective effects¹.
        • Urinary Health Support, Antimicrobial Properties, and Improved Exercise Endurance are additional benefits associated with pomegranates¹.

Take Aways:

• Consuming pomegranates has enough potential benefits to warrant being part of your diet. 
• Source organic juice with out added sugars
• Eat them regularly in your salads to making a sorbet
• Need 25 new recipe ideas on what to do with pomegranates ?see the food and wine article

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Paraquat-Related Illnesses and Injuries.” ¹
2. National Institute of Health (NIH). “Paraquat Exposure and Parkinson’s Disease Risk.” ²
3. Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Heber, D. (2008). Pomegranate Ellagitannins. In Nutrition Reviews, 66(6), 361-371. DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2008.00054.x
4. Anticancer Effects: Lansky, E. P., & Newman, R. A. (2007). Punica granatum (pomegranate) and its potential for prevention and treatment of inflammation and cancer. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 109(2), 177-206. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2006.09.006
5. Heart Health Benefits: Aviram, M., & Dornfeld, L. (2001). Pomegranate juice consumption inhibits serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity and reduces systolic blood pressure. Atherosclerosis, 158(1), 195-198. DOI: 10.1016/S0021-9150(01)00412-900412-9)