Most apples sold across Europe contain multiple harmful pesticide residues, NGO study says

A study by European environmental groups has found that the majority of apples sold across the continent contain residues of multiple pesticides, raising concerns about combined health effects from exposure to several chemicals at once.

Pan Europe, a network of non-governmental organizations campaigning against pesticide use, said it analyzed around 60 apples purchased in 13 European countries, including France, Spain, Italy, and Poland. According to the group, 85% of the samples contained more than one pesticide residue, with some apples showing traces of up to seven different substances.

The analysis found that in 71% of cases, residues included pesticides classified by the European Union as among the most hazardous, known as “candidates for substitution,” which EU policy aims to phase out over time. In addition, 64% of the samples contained at least one per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), a group of persistent chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

While pesticide residues are permitted in the EU provided they remain below established maximum levels, Pan Europe warned of a so-called “cocktail effect,” in which consumers are exposed to multiple pesticides simultaneously in a single product. The group argues that current regulatory assessments do not adequately address the potential risks of combined exposure.

Martin Dermine, a senior policy officer at Pan Europe, criticized the European Food Safety Authority for evaluating pesticides individually rather than considering cumulative exposure. He said the findings raise questions about consumer safety, citing possible links between pesticide exposure and health issues such as cancer and infertility.

Pan Europe also noted that if the same apples were marketed as processed baby food, 93% of the samples would not meet EU standards, which impose stricter residue limits for foods intended for children under three to protect early development.

Apples are among the most popular fruits in Europe and are the most widely cultivated fruit crop in the EU, particularly in Poland, Italy, and France. They are also among the most intensively treated with pesticides, largely to control apple scab, a common fungal disease. On average, apples receive about 35 pesticide treatments per year, with more than half aimed at combating the disease.

The group advised consumers to consider buying organic apples or peeling conventionally grown fruit before consumption.

Source: The Guardian