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29.03.2023 - Foods

CVUA Report on Pesticide Residues in Fresh Vegetables from Conventional Cultivation 2022

The CVUA Stuttgart analyzed a total of 994 samples of conventionally grown fresh vegetables for residues of over 700 different pesticides, pesticide metabolites, and contaminants in 2022 (over 1300 substances including screening methods). 88% of these samples contained residues of a total of 232 different pesticide active substances. Overall, 5% of the vegetable samples showed one or more exceedances of maximum levels, with the highest exceedance rate found in samples from third countries. Only in one of the examined samples, a health-hazardous pesticide content was detected.

Compared to previous years, there is a decline in the non-compliance rate (2021: 7%, 2020: 5%, 2019: 18%, 2018: 21%, 2015, 2016, and 2017: 16%). The significantly lower number of non-compliant samples from 2020 is mainly due to the redefinition of residue maximum levels for the polar pesticide chlorate in 2020.

When comparing the number of substances per sample, it must be taken into account that individual crops in different climatic zones are exposed to varying levels of pest pressure. Consequently, the required plant protection measures are individually tailored and vary. On average, 4.2 different active substances were detected per sample, with German samples performing best with 3.1 active substances per sample.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct pesticide testing. A screening method is used to test for over 700 active substances. We provide you with fast and reliable results. Our customer advisors are happy to assist you with any questions.

Source: CVUA, www.ua-bw.de