Germany: High levels of pesticides found in table grapes

A recent survey conducted by the chemical and veterinary examination office (CVUA) in Stuttgart has raised concerns about the safety of table grapes available in Germany. The analysis, which examined 64 samples of table grapes looking for residues of over 750 pesticides and contaminants, revealed significant pesticide residues, particularly in imports from outside the European Union.  

Table grapes are available year-round in supermarkets, sourced from various countries depending on the season. The survey covered grapes from regions including Brazil, Peru, South Africa, and several European nations. The majority of samples tested—61 out of 64—were from conventional farming, while three were organic.  

The findings indicated that grapes imported from non-EU countries contained an average of 1.9 mg/kg of pesticides, compared to just 0.57 mg/kg in those sourced from within the EU. Notably, each conventional sample contained multiple pesticide residues, with an average of eight active ingredients detected per sample. Some samples had as many as 19 different substances.  

Phosphonic acid, a fungicide, was the most commonly found pesticide, present in 82% of the samples analyzed, with levels reaching up to 36.4 mg/kg. In contrast, organic grapes were free of any detected pesticide residues.  

The analysis also uncovered irregularities in several samples. Eight imports from non-EU countries and one sample from Italy contained unauthorized pesticides or exceeded permitted levels. A sample from Namibia tested positive for glufosinate, a herbicide banned in the EU since 2018. Additionally, one Italian sample showed levels of procymidone, a fungicide that has been banned since 2008.

Turkish grapes were particularly problematic, with seven samples exceeding legal limits for acetamiprid, an insecticide. Four of these samples also contained high levels of pyriproxyfen. Alarmingly, eight products containing acetamiprid surpassed the acute reference dose (ARfD) by 200%, prompting concerns about their safety for consumption. The ARfD is defined as the maximum amount of a substance that can be ingested in a day without posing a significant health risk. Changes to the legal limits for acetamiprid are anticipated, reducing the current threshold from 0.5 mg/kg to 0.08 mg/kg in table grapes. The eight samples exceeding this new limit would pose a serious health risk. Furthermore, a recent toxicological assessment of the active ingredient acetamiprid, conducted in September 2024, has lowered the previously established ARfD from 0.025 mg/kg of body weight per day to 0.005.  

The CVUA’s findings emphasize the need for improved monitoring and stricter regulations regarding pesticide use, particularly in imported fruits. As consumers increasingly seek safe and healthy food options, the results of this survey serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency in food sourcing and safety standards.      

Source:  

CVUA Stuttgart