By Siddhi Joshi

While everyone was suffering through Monday blues, LA UNIÓ Llauradora published the reports which suggested the presence of active ingredients of banned pesticides in the oranges & lemons. These citruses entered the EU market from South Africa & Argentina. The analysis was done for the fourth consecutive year, 2022.

The campaign by LA UNIÓ Llauradora started with the sampling of citrus fruits from various commercial distribution establishments with the great presence in Valencian Community in Spain. Sample collection was then followed by the analysis in approved laboratory.

The analytical test results were alarming and showed the presence of six active ingredients of pesticides which were banned by EU regulations. The other substances found, include carbendazim, the use of which was prohibited in EU from 2016. Additionally, some of other found substances were not illegal to use as long as they are being marketed as ‘Zero MRL (Maximum Residue Limit)’ which was not clearly applicable in this scenario.  

Few of the discovered active ingredients were not authorized by Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, and were not allowed in citrus fruits. Some were only authorized for the green-house cultivation and others were for tangerines, which was not a case where their presence was detected.

During the discussion, authorities from LA UNIÓ Llauradora said that, “It gives the feeling that what is required from us is stricter than what is required for imported products, which is why you have to ask commercial distribution about the different yardstick they use depending on the origin.”

LA UNIÓ Llauradora then demanded EFSA, to look into the matter to ensure that the imported products are in compliance with the regulations as the food produced in EU. They also requested importing companies and distribution chains to reject the fruits from the supplier which have been detected with pesticide active ingredients, which are banned in EU. LA UNIÓ Llauradora also imposed the market-changing wave of ‘Support Local Fruit Business, over Importing’ from the traders. This will help to maintain the safer citrus fruit supply chain and the growth of local businesses as the season of oranges in Valencian Community is around the corner.