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22.11.2024 - Foods

EcoTest November 2024: Organic Raisins/Sultanas and Conventional Raisins/Raisins Contaminated with Pesticide Residues such as Glyphosate, Fosetyl/Phosphonic Acid, and Mycotoxins

ÖkoTest tested 24 raisin products for pesticide residues such as glyphosate, fosetyl/phosphonic acid, acetamiprid, chlorpyrifos, cyhalothrin, and contaminants such as ochratoxin A. While organic products mostly showed only low pesticide residues, more pesticides were found in conventional products. According to ÖkoTest, up to 24 different pesticides were found in one product.

The mycotoxin ochratoxin A was measured by ÖkoTest in more than 20% of organic products with elevated levels.

As a result, ÖkoTest rated 20% of organic products as poor or inadequate and 40% of conventional products as inadequate.

The fungicide fosetyl/phosphonic acid, which was also approved for organic farming until 2013, can still be detectable years later.

The BfR informs about ochratoxin in its statement:

“Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the mold toxins, referred to as mycotoxins in technical language. Molds of the genera Penicillium and Aspergillus produce

OTA. It can be detected in various food or feed products, such as grains and

grain products, legumes, coffee, grapes or wine, but also in oilseeds such as

sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Chronic intake of

OTA can lead to kidney damage in humans. Furthermore, carcinogenic effects were also shown in

animal studies.”

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct tests for glyphosate, fosetyl/phosphonic acid, acetamiprid, chlorpyrifos, cyhalothrin, and mycotoxins like ochratoxin A.

We deliver fast and reliable results and are happy to advise you on all matters regarding product safety.

If you have any questions, our customer advisors are happy to assist you.

Source:

Öko-Test No. 11/2024 - https://www.oekotest.de/