Laboratory analyses of bouquets, carried out by UFC Que Choisir, reveal "massive contamination of cut flowers by pesticides, some of which are banned in Europe", the consumer protection magazine claims on Friday, Valentine's Day, a popular holiday for buying bouquets.
Referring to the "endangerment" of those who handle these flowers - buyers and especially professionals - UFC Que Choisir says it "demands immediate measures to protect public health and the environment" in a press release.
The magazine tested 15 bouquets (roses, gerberas and chrysanthemums, purchased in early January in stores, supermarkets and online): "100% of the flowers are contaminated", with "up to 46 different pesticide residues on the same bouquet". These substances "include proven carcinogens and endocrine disruptors that directly threaten the health of those who handle them daily".
"To date, there are no regulations limiting the presence of pesticide residues in cut flowers, 80% of which are imported from countries that still authorize the use of highly toxic substances," the magazine says.
The impact of these products on consumers remains unknown, adds UFC Que Choisir, but an assessment of the exposure of workers in the sector and their children has been entrusted to the French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES). The results are expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
– 85% imported –
Asked by AFP on Friday, the agency specified that "depending on the results of the assessment and in accordance with the request sent to us, we may be required, if necessary, to carry out a similar assessment for consumers at a later stage."
The mission was entrusted to ANSES after the death in March 2022 of a little girl from leukemia linked to the exposure of her mother, a florist, during her pregnancy.
Currently, around 85% of cut flowers sold in France are imported (most often via the Netherlands), including "a significant proportion grown outside Europe" with potentially "treatments with pesticides that are not authorised in the European Union", Henri Bastos, scientific director for health and work at ANSES, explained to AFP in January.
– Seasonal flowers –
UFC Que Choisir is calling for "strict regulations on maximum doses of pesticide residues in cut flowers", "a ban on importing flowers treated with pesticides banned in Europe, with increased controls" by health authorities and customs, "an obligation to label" the origins of flowers and treatments, and the broadening of Anses' research to include risks incurred by consumers.
In a press release, the interprofessional organization for horticulture, floristry and landscaping (Valhor) responded by stating that "the entire sector complies with current regulations and demonstrates transparency", adding that it is "impossible to comment on the study" by the UFC, "not knowing the protocol used".
Valhor further cites "a reference study on the subject of the use of plant protection products in the horticulture sector carried out by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment in 2021" which "concludes that there are no risks for consumers who buy cut flowers".
The interprofessional organization also indicates that it has launched "in the fall of 2024 a study on the presence of residues of certain phytosanitary products on marketed plants, complementary to that of Anses", which "will allow us to draw up recommendations and possible adaptations of uses".
UFC Que Choisir advises favoring organic flowers and opting for French and seasonal flowers.
The Ministry of Agriculture, for its part, stresses that "flowers produced in the EU are necessarily produced in compliance with the conditions of use of pesticides."
"On imported flowers, the checks carried out by the ministry concern the presence or absence of regulated harmful organisms," he adds. "The subject has been the subject of discussions on several occasions within the framework of the standing committee" of the European Commission, which "consulted the Member States in 2022."
But "the absence of European legislation on the presence of residues on goods not intended for food constitutes a blocking factor" because "the standing committee can only set implementing measures for existing legislation". "A gap in European regulation", according to the ministry.
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