EU Apples Contain “Cocktails” of Pesticides, NGO Warns

A PAN Europe report finds apples sold in 13 European countries—including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland—contain concerning mixtures of pesticide residues, often referred to as “cocktails of pesticides.”

The NGO criticises the EU’s risk assessment, which evaluates pesticides individually rather than considering cumulative effects. The study of 59 apple samples collected in September 2025 revealed:

• 85% contained multiple pesticide residues
• 71% contained at least one of the most toxic EU-classified pesticides
• 64% contained PFAS (“forever chemicals”), such as fludioxonil, an endocrine disruptor
• 36% contained a neurotoxic pesticide

If processed into baby food, 93% of the samples would exceed EU limits for children under three.

PAN Europe urges public authorities to inform consumers and promote organic produce.

The EU plans cumulative risk assessment by 2030, but progress is slow. EFSA plans a pilot exercise in late 2026 to test new assessment tools, while proposals to weaken pesticide reassessments have drawn further criticism.

02-02-2026