The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) analyzed more than 125,000 samples of food in various countries of the European Union. The report, published on May 5, 2026, with data from 2024, confirms that although most comply with legal limits, a significant portion of fruits and vegetables reach consumers with detectable residues, including pesticides.
The most striking data is about fruits: oranges, table grapes, strawberries, and apples are among the foods with the highest frequency of multiple residues, meaning combinations of several substances in a single sample.
Sampling Results
- In the EU coordinated program (9,842 samples), 98.8% complied with legislation, but 54.5% contained residues within the limits and 2.4% exceeded the maximum authorized.
- In imports (39,433 samples), 56.2% had legal residues, 5.5% exceeded the limits, and 3.6% were considered non-compliant, being stopped before entering the European market.
The EFSA concludes that the risk to human health remains low, although environmental organizations warn about repeated exposure to “cocktails” of pesticides.
Criticism from Environmental Organizations
PAN Europe pointed out that 41.6% of fruits and vegetables sold in the EU contained residues and that 25.5% included more than one. They reiterated that the most contaminated fruits are oranges, table grapes, strawberries, and apples.
Recommendations for Consumers
The WHO advises not to stop consuming fruits and vegetables but to reduce exposure:
- Wash fresh produce thoroughly.
- Peel fruits when possible.
- Diversify the diet to avoid the accumulation of residues from the same product.
Environmental and Agricultural Crisis in Europe
The intensive use of agrochemicals generates impacts beyond food:
- 70% of European agricultural soils are affected by pesticides.
- 80% of fields suffer contamination that accelerates the loss of biodiversity and pollinators.
Main Aspects of the Problem
- Glyphosate Controversy: despite being classified as “probably carcinogenic” by the WHO, the European Commission extended its authorization for 10 more years.
- Commercial Double Standard: European companies export pesticides banned in the EU to Latin America and Mercosur.
- Residues in Food: in Spain, more than 40% of analyzed fruits and vegetables contain pesticides, some unauthorized or endocrine disruptors.
- Frustrated Goals: the EU aimed to reduce chemical pesticide use by 50% by 2030, but progress is slow, and the dependency on the intensive model hinders the transition to agroecology.
The EFSA report reflects a paradox: although most foods comply with regulations, the presence of multiple residues in mass-consumed fruits raises concerns.
The environmental crisis due to agrochemicals demands firmer policies, transparency in international trade, and a real push towards sustainable agricultural models.
