Missouri Alert: Blackberry Danger You Should Know

This is the best time of the year for blackberries which is why the timing for this warning could not come at a worse time. If you're a  blackberry fan like many are in Missouri, you need to be aware of a new danger that's just been shared.

This is a very credible warning. It's not from some fringe group that wants to try and scare the living daylights out of you just to be sensational. This is based on data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That's why the Environmental Working Group has just added blackberries in Missouri to what they call "the dirty dozen".

What are the dirty dozen and what's the issue with blackberries?

According to a report from The Hill, the USDA found 93% of blackberries tested had pesticide residues still present. Potatoes were also added to the dirty dozen list as 90% of those tested by the USDA also had remnants of pesticides.

What's the real danger with the pesticides found on Missouri blackberries?

The pesticide cypermethrin was present which the EPA says is a potential carcinogen for human beings. Wikipedia says that symptoms of human contact with this pesticide include "numbness, tingling, itching, burning sensation, loss of bladder control, incoordination, seizures and possible death". This does not mean you should not consume blackberries. What this translates to is the importance of washing any blackberries you have thoroughly. Your life just might depend on it.