In 2022, a majority of non-organic fruits sold in France contained at least one detected pesticide residue associated with a danger to human health (carcinogenic, endocrine disruptor, etc.), according to an analysis by the NGO Generations Futures published on Tuesday based on official data.
In total, 62% of non-organic fruits and vegetables analyzed contained at least one pesticide residue (80% of fruits, 48% of vegetables), according to 1,996 samples of 35 foods from the latest data from the food monitoring plan (General Directorate for Competition DGCCRF and Customs Directorate DGCCI).
137 different active substances were found.
In particular, 56% of fruits and 23% of non-organic vegetables presented at least one pesticide residue classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic or reprotoxic (CMR), according to this report.
"In no case does (the report) claim to assess the risk posed by these residues", which would require knowing the volumes and degree of exposure, the NGO emphasizes.
However, it "clearly shows the very frequent presence of pesticide residues with worrying hazardous properties in many samples," the organization emphasizes. And "we believe it is wise to try to reduce their presence in our food," it summarizes.
In particular, 90% of the cherries analyzed contained at least one CMR pesticide residue, 88% of limes, 84% of clementines, 74% of strawberries, 79% of grapes, 46% of fennel, 43% of salads, 38% of zucchini, etc.
The analysis takes into account CMR substances confirmed, assumed or suspected by the European Classification of Chemicals (CLP), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Furthermore, 67% of fruits contained at least one residue of endocrine disrupting pesticide (EDP), and 32% of vegetables: 92% of clementines, 88% of grapes and plums, 62% of cucumbers, etc.
The report considers as PE the substances classified as such by EFSA, by an impact study carried out in 2016 by the European Commission, to which are added five others singled out by the network of specialized NGOs PAN Europe.
Finally, 34% of the fruits and 21% of the vegetables tested contained at least one residue of PFAS pesticide, so-called "eternal" pollutants because they are difficult to degrade in the environment.
The analysis concerns the "detected" residues and not only those which could be "quantified", some of which may present harmful effects without a threshold (endocrine disruptors in particular), explains Generations futures.
The NGO refers to the recommendations of the High Council of Public Health, which in 2017 suggested "favoring fruits and vegetables grown using production methods that reduce exposure to pesticides (according to a precautionary principle)."
"The government must put in place strong support measures for organic foods and encourage organic farming, which has been in difficulty" in recent years against a backdrop of inflation, demanded Francois Veillerette, spokesperson for Generations Futures, during a press briefing.
Since 2022, there have been bans in the EU (such as that of phosmet, used for cherries), notes the NGO. But "still too many dangerous pesticides are used."
Against a backdrop of agricultural protests, Gabriel Attal's government suspended the Ecophyto plan to reduce pesticides in early 2024 and then changed the indicator for measuring their use, to the great displeasure of environmental defenders, who announced an appeal to the Council of State.
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