Europe: Warning about pesticide residues in fruit

(Baonghean) - Recently, Greenpeace - a non-governmental organization has condemned the use of "toxic pesticides" in growing fruits, especially apples - the most consumed fruit in European countries.

According to a Greenpeace report, after randomly analyzing 85 soil and water samples from farms in different countries, researchers found that up to three-quarters of the samples contained pesticide residues exceeding the permitted level.

Researchers even found seven pesticides banned by the European Union on one sample. And at least 70% of the pesticides used have negative effects on human and animal health. Earlier this year, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released an assessment that found that 45% of the 1,610 apples analyzed had pesticide residues above the permitted level.

Illustration photo - Internet.

The Greenpeace report also said that the countries with the highest levels of pesticide contamination in soil samples were Italy, France and Belgium. Poland, Slovakia and Italy had the highest levels of pesticide contamination in water samples.

In response to the above reports, the French National Apple and Pear Association (ANPP) quickly refuted the Greenpeace report. ANPP emphasized that the apples originating from France are completely “clean and processed according to regulations” to limit the amount of pesticides remaining. Although ANPP presented a lot of evidence, it cannot deny that many previous studies have shown that apples are still a fruit that often has high pesticide or preservative residues.

Through the report, Greenpeace once again wants to raise awareness among consumers as well as emphasize the role of distributors in protecting people's health. Greenpeace also recommends that supermarkets ban the import of fruits and vegetables using certain pesticides.

Chu Thanh

(According to Le Figaro)