Carcinogens, endocrine disruptors: dangerous pesticide residues detected in a majority of fruits and vegetables sold in France

In 2022, a majority of non-organic fruits sold in France contained at least one detected pesticide residue associated with a class of danger for human health (carcinogenic, endocrine disruptor, etc.), according to an analysis by the NGO Générations futures published this Tuesday, December 17, 2024, based on official data.

In total, 62% of non-organic fruits and vegetables analyzed contained at least one detected pesticide residue (80% of fruits, 48% of vegetables), according to 1,996 samples of 35 foods from the latest data from the national food surveillance plan (Directorate General for Competition DGCCRF and Directorate General for Customs DGCCI).

Some 137 different active substances were found.

In particular, 56% of non-organic fruits and 23% of non-organic vegetables contained at least one pesticide residue classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic or toxic to reproduction (CMR), according to this report.

What risk ?

“In no case does (the report) claim to assess the risk posed by these residues”, which would require knowing the degree of exposure, volumes, etc., the NGO emphasizes.

However, it “clearly shows the very frequent presence of pesticide residues with worryingly dangerous properties in many samples,” the NGO emphasizes. And “we think it is wise to try to reduce its presence in our diet”, summarizes the organization.

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In particular, 90% of the cherries analyzed contained at least one CMR pesticide residue, 88% of limes, 84% of clementines/mandarins, 74% of strawberries, 79% of grapes.

“Eternal” pollutants

The analysis takes into account CMR substances proven, supposed or suspected by the European classifications of chemical substances (CLP), the classifications of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the WHO.

Furthermore, 67% of fruits contained at least one residue of endocrine disrupting pesticide (EDP), and 32% of vegetables. The report considers as PE the substances classified as such by the EFSA, by an impact study conducted in 2016 by the European Commission, to which are added five others singled out by the network of specialized NGOs PAN Europe.

Finally, 34% of the fruits and 21% of the vegetables tested contained at least one residue of PFAS pesticide, pollutants called “eternal” because they are poorly degradable in the environment.

Privilege organic

The analysis focuses on the residues “detected” and not only on those that could be “quantified”, because some can present deleterious effects without threshold (endocrine disruptors in particular), explains Générations futures.

The NGO refers to the recommendations issued by the High Council of Public Health, which in a February 2017 opinion suggested “favoring fruits and vegetables grown according to production methods that reduce exposure to pesticides (according to a precautionary principle)”.