A recent study reveals a significant increase in toxic 'forever chemicals' on EU fruits and vegetables, raising concerns over consumer health.
Marta Pacheco reports for euronews.
In short:
- The presence of PFAS, harmful chemicals known for their persistence, has risen sharply on non-organic produce in the EU.
- PAN Europe's report shows a 220% increase in fruit and a 274% increase in vegetable contamination over the last decade.
- Countries like the Netherlands and Belgium have the highest levels of PFAS in produce, with calls for an EU-wide ban on these substances in pesticides.
Key quote:
"Our study reveals a deliberate, chronic and widespread exposure of European consumers to cocktails of PFAS pesticides in fruit and vegetables."
— Salomé Roynel, policy officer at PAN Europe
Why this matters:
This study reveals a need for stricter regulations on PFAS in agriculture to protect consumer health, particularly concerning the potential long-term effects on unborn children, the endocrine system, and cancer risk. Efforts to update Europe's food safety regulations are too-often weakened by the global chemical industry.
