‘Pesticide cocktails’ polluting apples across Europe, study finds
Pan Europe found several pesticide residues in 85% of apples, with some showing traces of up to seven chemicals
TL;DR
- 85% of apples analyzed across 13 European countries contained multiple pesticide residues.
- Some apples showed traces of up to seven different chemicals.
- 71% of samples contained pesticides classified as hazardous or candidates for substitution.
- 64% of samples contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas).
- Pan Europe warned of the "cocktail effect" of simultaneous exposure to multiple pesticides.
- Apples with these residues would be banned as processed baby food due to stricter limits for children.
- Apples are a popular fruit in Europe and heavily treated with pesticides, particularly to combat apple scab.