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Pesticide tests reinforce the importance of EP vote
Netherlands
Wednesday 17 October 2007
Tests run by action groups have found high pesticide residue levels in fruits, highlighting the importance of the upcoming European Parliament vote.
An event designed to test pesticide levels in European produce has further outlined the importance of the upcoming vote on new legislation, regarding the authorisation, sale and use of hazardous pesticides in the European Union (EU).
Milieudefensie (Friends of the Earth Netherlands) and Pesticide Action Network Europe purchased eight fruit items from the GB Express supermarket in the European Parliament building in Brussels, and following analysis found that three of the eight foods sampled (apricots, grapes and an orange) exceeded EC maximum residue limits (MRL's).
A group statement read: "In total, the eight fruit samples analysed contained some 28 different pesticide residues - two of the contaminants were classified as being 'highly hazardous', and none of the food items were pesticide free."
In addition, tests on Belgium-grown strawberries alone uncovered 14 different types of pesticide residue, including five known carcinogens.
German Green EMP Hiltrud Breyer said: "Pesticides are toxic substances manufactured with the intention of killing, yet they end up on our plates and, ultimately, in our bodies - future legislation must make ensure that pesticides that are dangerous to the consumer and the environment are gradually taken off the market."
An event designed to test pesticide levels in European produce has further outlined the importance of the upcoming vote on new legislation, regarding the authorisation, sale and use of hazardous pesticides in the European Union (EU).
Milieudefensie (Friends of the Earth Netherlands) and Pesticide Action Network Europe purchased eight fruit items from the GB Express supermarket in the European Parliament building in Brussels, and following analysis found that three of the eight foods sampled (apricots, grapes and an orange) exceeded EC maximum residue limits (MRL's).
A group statement read: "In total, the eight fruit samples analysed contained some 28 different pesticide residues - two of the contaminants were classified as being 'highly hazardous', and none of the food items were pesticide free."
In addition, tests on Belgium-grown strawberries alone uncovered 14 different types of pesticide residue, including five known carcinogens.
German Green EMP Hiltrud Breyer said: "Pesticides are toxic substances manufactured with the intention of killing, yet they end up on our plates and, ultimately, in our bodies - future legislation must make ensure that pesticides that are dangerous to the consumer and the environment are gradually taken off the market."
