I can't help out with the stats, but I'm guessing he might have been
referring to the organic spinach E coli thing a while back ( I believe it
happened several times, but I remember one big scare in particular).

http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2013/02/organic-baby-spinach-recalled-nationwide-over-e-coli-concerns/

I can however reccomend reading the "Locovore's Dilemma" for a different
perspective on agribusiness and food safety (It was a nice compliment to
Omnivore's Dilemma, which by the title you can see was written as a sort of
response).  It also throws out lots of nice stats/examples/history etc that
support some of Pete's claims about food safety.

***"Allergens are sometimes the products of exposure to chemicals in the
environment put there by agriculture. How do you figure that into your
summary?"


I believe the discussion was life threatening anaphylaxis.
Looking up common causes this is what I came up with.
What Are the Common Triggers of Anaphylaxis?

Food is generally the most common cause of anaphylaxis. Common food
triggers include nuts, shellfish (shrimp, lobster), dairy products, egg
whites, and sesame seeds. Wasp or bee
stings<http://firstaid.webmd.com/tc/insect-bites-and-stings-and-spider-bites-topic-overview>are
also common causes of anaphylaxis.

Additionally, exercise<http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/default.htm>can
trigger anaphylaxis if the activity occurs after eating
allergy <http://www.webmd.com/allergies/default.htm>-provoking food.>
Continue reading below...
Medications <http://www.webmd.com/drugs/index-drugs.aspx> are also a common
cause of anaphylaxis.

Pollens and other inhaled allergens (allergy-causing substances) rarely
cause anaphylaxis.

Some substances can cause reactions -- called anaphylactoid reactions --
that are similar to and just as serious as anaphylaxis, but do not involve
immunoglobulin E antibodies. Common causes are fish and some medications,
such as intravenous radiological contrast dye. >
 excerpted from:
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/anaphylaxis


I don't see one example that is added by agribusiness, which is probably
why I wouldn't factor it in either.

Jeremy
West Michigan

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