Consumers' perception that organic fruit and vegetables are safer than traditionally grown crops has been questioned by fresh produce consultant David Norman, speaking at a conference held for the UK leek industry last month. He said the belief, which he claimed had little scientific basis, had been fuelled by a hysterical media and consequently shoppers did not have an accurate picture. Norman called for growers to push for tighter voluntary control such as are already seen in Assured Produce Schemes. {{FRESH PRODUCE }}