Report: Toxic Pesticides Found in Apples Across Europe

Environmental organizations are denouncing the presence of toxic pesticide cocktails in apples sold across Europe. A report by PAN Europe, published today, states that 85% of apple samples contained pesticide residues.

PAN Europe analyzed apples from 13 European countries, including Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Switzerland. Some samples contained up to seven different pesticides.

According to the report, 71% of the samples contained pesticides classified as 'candidates for substitution' by the EU, while 64% contained 'forever chemicals' (PFAS). PAN Europe expresses concerns about the consequences of exposure to pesticide 'cocktails,' as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assesses each pesticide separately.

The NGO advises consumers to prefer organically grown apples or to peel conventional apples before consumption.