Swiss report reveals pesticide risks in apricots and strawberries

Switzerland's latest food safety report has raised concerns over pesticide levels in fresh produce. In 2024, routine checks found that some fruits and vegetables contained residues above legal limits. The findings come from the Federal Office for Agriculture's annual monitoring programme.

This year's tests covered 405 samples of fruit, vegetables, cereals, and oils. Among them, 63% showed traces of pesticides—though most remained within legal thresholds. However, ten samples exceeded the maximum residue level (MRL), a strict limit designed to protect public health.

Apricots and strawberries were the most affected. Seven of the ten non-compliant samples came from these fruits, with residues of captan, halosyfop, iprodione, and spinosad detected. Other tested items included apples, pears, cherries, carrots, courgettes, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, potatoes, wheat flour, sunflower oil, and rapeseed oil. Despite the breaches, authorities confirmed that consuming food within permitted residue levels poses no known health risk. The monitoring programme continues annually to ensure compliance and safety.

The 2024 results highlight ongoing pesticide use in Swiss agriculture. While most samples met legal standards, the ten exceedances will prompt further scrutiny. The findings reinforce the need for regular testing to maintain food safety regulations.