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UK Fruits & Veg Tainted: Cancer-Linked Pesticides Found
3 Dec
Summary
- Sultana grapes from Turkey contained residues of 16 different pesticides.
- 42 pesticides linked to cancer detected across 17 fruit and vegetable types.
- 90% of grape samples and 99% of grapefruit samples had multiple pesticide residues.
Recent testing has revealed the presence of cancer-linked pesticides in common fruits and vegetables available in the UK, sparking significant concern among health campaigners. Grapes emerged as a major concern, with one sample of sultana grapes from Turkey found to contain residues of 16 distinct pesticides, including PFA 'forever chemicals' known for their persistence and potential to accumulate in the body.
Campaigners analyzed government test results, identifying 42 pesticides with links to cancer and 21 known to interfere with hormone systems across 17 types of produce. High percentages of grape (90%) and grapefruit (99%) samples contained multiple pesticide residues. The analysis also highlighted that nearly 29% of detected pesticides are not approved for use by British farmers, often due to health or environmental harms, raising questions about imported food safety.
While government bodies state that residue levels are strictly regulated and rigorously assessed for safety, campaigners argue that existing limits do not account for the combined 'cocktail effect' of multiple chemicals or other exposure routes. They are urging the government to significantly cut pesticide use, refuse imports grown with banned pesticides, and support farmers in transitioning to non-chemical alternatives to protect public health.
