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22.01.2025 - Foods

BVLpresentsstudyresults2023:Againlownumberofpesticideresiduesinfood

The "National Report on Pesticide Residues in Food 2023" published by the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) shows that food in Germany rarely contains pesticide residues above the permissible maximum levels. In 2023, a total of 22,314 food samples were tested for pesticide residues, the largest number since the surveys began. The results show that the pesticide burden varies greatly depending on the type of crop and the origin of the product.

In frequently consumed foods such as carrots, potatoes, apples, and seasonal produce like strawberries and asparagus, hardly any or no exceedances of the maximum residue levels were detected. Foods such as mangoes, dried beans, various types of peppers, rice, tea, peanuts, and cherries, however, recorded the highest exceedance rates, in up to 8% of the samples. These differences confirm the trends from previous years.

Another important factor is the origin of the food. While only about 1% of samples from Germany and the EU showed exceedances of the maximum residue levels, this proportion was 8.5% for products from non-EU countries. Overall, there was a slight decrease in the exceedance rate compared to the previous year.

The legal maximum residue levels for pesticides are set in such a way that health risks for consumers are excluded. Exceeding the maximum levels therefore does not directly mean a health risk, as the values are well below the threshold for health risks.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we conduct various tests on pesticides in food. We provide you with fast and reliable results. Our customer service representatives will be happy to assist you with any questions.

Source: www.bvl.bund.de