Study: Sharp rise in pesticides in EU produce

BRUSSELS — The contamination of fruits and vegetables produced in the European Union by the most toxic pesticides has substantially increased over the past decade, according to new research.

The study published last week by the Pesticide Action Network Europe group said European citizens have been exposed to a “dramatic rise” in both the frequency and intensity of residues of pesticides.

The EU has strict rules concerning pesticides. As part of its goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions to zero by mid-century, the 27-nation bloc wants to halve the use of pesticides by 2030.

Contrary to data from the EU’s executive branch showing a 12% reduction of the more dangerous pesticides in 2019 compared to the 2015-2017 period, the “Forbidden Fruit” report claims their use actually increased by 8.8%.

A European Commission official challenged the report’s conclusions, saying that since analytical methods have improved, many of the substances reported as most frequently found were not detectable back in 2011.

“This can lead to an apparent increase in the total number of findings which does not reflect, however, an increase in the actual quantity of pesticide residues in food, nor an increase in overall pesticide use,” the official said.

The most dangerous pesticides belong to the so-called group of Candidates for Substitution that the commission has flagged to member countries as problematic and should be replaced with less toxic substances. Some of them have been linked to the risk of developing cancers, heart problems and other serious illnesses.

“The use of the most dangerous pesticides in Europe is in fact rising, not falling. Laws are being ignored and consumers are being exposed to a rising tide of chemical exposure,” researchers said.

In total, 97,170 fruit samples were analyzed for 2011-2019. Starting with a contamination rate of 18% in 2011, this increased to 29% in 2019, with an average 53% rise in contamination in nine years.