Egyptian oranges intercepted at EU borders over pesticide residues

As the second half of the citrus season begins, Egyptian oranges have once again been intercepted at EU entry points for breaching pesticide residue limits, according to the EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF). One of the latest cases involved a shipment stopped in Italy after chlorpropham — a growth regulator banned in the EU since 2019 — was detected above authorised levels.

Spain’s agricultural organisation AVA-ASAJA says the incident reflects a recurring pattern. So far in 2026, seven non-compliances linked to Egyptian fruit and vegetables have already been notified. In 2025, Egypt recorded 131 interceptions at EU borders, while 2024 marked a peak of 180 cases. Over the past five years, Egyptian produce has accumulated 672 RASFF notifications.

EU border data show that several substances detected in Egyptian shipments have long been prohibited for EU producers, including chlorfenapyr, phenthoate, profenofos, diazinon, dimethoate, chlorpyrifos, flumetralin and chlorpropham.

AVA-ASAJA president Cristóbal Aguado has urged importers and retailers to prioritise EU-grown citrus and called on EU authorities to apply stricter controls and sanctions at external borders.

source and photo: avaasaja.org