Pesticide residues found in strawberries from Poland

TALLINN - Residue levels of plant protection products banned in the European Union were found to exceed limits in strawberries of Polish origin, as a total of 4,800 kilos of strawberries had reached Estonia, but according to a risk assessment, the threat to human health is very low.

Triinu Allika, head of the food department at the Agriculture and Food Board, said that the sample was taken in mid-June.

"The sample for strawberry analysis was taken at the Haapsalu market on July 12 and sent for testing. Unfortunately, the analysis takes time. The sample showed exceedances of the maximum residue limits for chlorothalonil and imidacloprid," Allika said.

The agency found that the distributor had sold the Polish strawberries to 18 different buyers.

"The strawberries have likely been consumed by now, but based on the risk assessment carried out, we can say that the exceedances were very small, and since the substances have low toxicity, consumption of the strawberries did not pose a direct threat to human health," Allika added.

The Agriculture and Food Board has notified the competent authority in Poland, which is now handling the matter on their side.