Banned pesticides found in Albanian peppers bound for Slovenia

A recent inspection within the European food safety system uncovered the presence of banned pesticides in a shipment of fresh peppers from Albania destined for Slovenia. The substances detected, pirimiphos-methyl and formate, exceed the limits permitted by the European Union and other countries. Notably, the concentration of pirimiphos-methyl was found to be 44 times above the EU threshold, while formate levels were ten times higher than allowed.

The peppers, distributed by an Italian company, were intended for sale in Slovenia and Croatia. However, it remains uncertain whether the contaminated shipment reached markets in Serbia or Croatia, as reported by local media. Health experts warn that both pirimiphos-methyl and formate pose significant risks to human health, as they interfere with cholinesterase enzyme activity, which can disrupt the nervous system. Symptoms may include nausea, dizziness, confusion, and in severe cases, respiratory failure or death.

European authorities have not yet disclosed the specific actions taken regarding the contaminated batch, leaving it unclear whether the shipment was destroyed or returned to the distributor.

source: slobodenpecat.mk

photo: thealbaniainsider.com