Grapes file photo

Ninety-six percent of produce for sale that was collected and tested last year by California Department of Pesticide Regulation researchers showed little or no signs of pesticides.

Specifically, of the 3,585 samples of produce collected from grocery stores, farmers markets, food distribution centers and other food outlets in 27 countries, 39 percent had no detectable traces of pesticides, while 57 percent showed traces within legal levels allowed in California, according to a DPR press release.

It goes on to state that four percent had pesticide residues in excess of the legal limits or had signs of pesticides not approved for use on the products on which they were found.

“Once again, this report shows that California consumers can have high confidence in the fresh fruits and vegetables available to them at stores,” Brian Leahy, director of DPR, said in a written statement. “A strong regulatory program gives guidance to the proficient farmers and pesticide applicators that grow the fruits and vegetables that are part of a healthy diet.”

The findings, part of DPR’s 2016 Pesticide Residues in Fresh Produce report, states that 24 percent of the produce tested was grown in California.