Study Flags High Lead and Pesticide Levels in Vegetables Sold in Bengaluru

A study submitted to the National Green Tribunal has raised concerns about the safety of vegetables sold in Bengaluru markets. Investigations by the Central Pollution Control Board found that more than 25% of tested vegetable samples contained lead levels exceeding permissible limits.

The analysis covered 72 vegetable samples collected from city markets and nearby farming regions such as Kolar and Nelamangala. Among them, 19 samples had lead concentrations above safety limits, with leafy vegetables, cabbage, beans and beetroot showing the highest contamination.

In some cases, lead levels were five times higher than the allowed limit of 0.3 mg/kg set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. One brinjal sample labelled as organic reportedly contained nearly 20 times the permitted level.

The study also detected excessive pesticide residues in vegetables such as capsicum, chilli, ginger and cucumber. Soil tests across the supply chain indicated widespread pollution, suggesting environmental contamination as a key cause.

09-03-2026