EFSA finds 98.8% of EU food meets pesticide safety standards

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has released its latest findings on pesticide residues in food. Over 125,000 samples were tested across Europe, covering both domestic and imported products. The results show that the vast majority of food meets legal safety standards. The EFSA’s annual monitoring programme checked a wide range of foods, including sweet peppers, table grapes, and olive oil. Of the samples analysed, 50.2% contained detectable pesticide residues. However, most remained within permitted levels.

Only 2.4% of the tested items exceeded legal thresholds, with 1.2% confirmed as non-compliant. Imported food was more likely to break these limits than EU-produced food. When violations occur, national authorities carry out follow-up checks and may take corrective action.

The study also assessed consumer exposure to pesticide residues. Despite some exceedances, the EFSA concluded that the detected levels pose no risk to human health. The EU’s strict residue limits apply equally to food grown inside and outside the bloc. The findings confirm that 98.8% of samples complied with legal pesticide limits. National authorities continue to enforce regulations, ensuring food safety across the EU. The annual monitoring process remains a key part of protecting consumers from harmful residues.