Czech Apples Rank Among Europe’s Most Contaminated, Tests Show
Laboratory tests have found that apples grown and sold in the Czech Republic contain some of the highest pesticide levels in Europe, with residues that may pose a risk to infants. The findings come from a Europe-wide analysis coordinated by PAN Europe, a non-governmental organization focused on public health and environmental protection. One Golden Delicious apple purchased in a Czech supermarket contained seven different pesticide residues. According to the analysis, several were present at concentrations considered unsafe for baby food. Foods containing pesticide residues above 0.01 milligrams per kilogram are regarded as unsuitable for infants under European rules. In total, 59 apples from 13 European countries were tested. Only four samples, sourced from Denmark, Belgium, and Italy, met the criteria for use in infant food. All five apples from the Czech Republic failed. On average, Czech samples contained 3.8 different pesticide substances, around 20 percent more than the European average. Only one apple from Luxembourg recorded a similarly poor result. The testing focused on common varieties including Golden Delicious, Gala, Honeycrunch, and red apples. The samples were purchased by the Czech environmental group Rainbow Movement in three major retail chains: Tesco, Lidl, and Billa. Retailers were contacted for comment. Lidl...
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