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60 Million Consumers continues to enlighten us on the products of our daily lives, revealing the dangers hidden in what we consume or use. Food or utilitythe products around us are not always as safe as we might believe.
This time, it is on a surprising food that the magazine is sounding the alert: vegetables. Scary, when we think of the benefits we attribute to them for our health! And the vegetable in question? A star of our plates in all seasons. However, according to the study, these popular products present pesticide levels of particular concern.
Pesticide alert according to 60 million consumers
THE pesticide residue in fruits and vegetables pose a real dilemma for consumers. These foods are essential to a balanced diet, full of beneficial vitamins and minerals. However, their contamination with chemical substances could reduce their health benefits.
According to a growing number of studies, these pesticide residues could increase the risk of various pathologiesincluding certain cancers. A recent report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), relayed by 60 Million consumers in its May 30, 2024 edition, reveals that certain vegetables are particularly affected.
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Among the products reviewedsome vegetables have higher pesticide residue levels than others.
The most contaminated of vegetables
The 60 Million Consumers association gives us a worrying observation. Spinach is at the top of the list of vegetables more contaminated by pesticides. Delicious in salads, in a gratin or even in soup, spinach has long been popular for its benefits, but what about its safety on our plates?
The survey carried out in 2022 closely scrutinized more than 110,000 food samples from European Union member countries. The result is clear: a notable number of samples exceeding the regulatory limits for pesticides. 96% of samples analyzed comply with European standards. Around 3% show contamination levels beyond authorized thresholds.
So why spinach? These delicate green leaves, which are a delight in many dishes, are more vulnerable to pest attacks. This state of affairs makes their cultivation more dependent on chemical treatments. These pesticides, often applied in large quantities, then end up on our plates. This raises legitimate concerns about their impact on our health.
The reason behind this result of 60 Million consumers
If spinach is among the most contaminated vegetables according to 60 Million consumers, it is no coincidence. These tender, broad leaves are a veritable feast for pests. Producers must therefore resort to chemical treatments to protect their crops.
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Another key point: systemic products, which penetrate the leaves. Unlike surface pesticides, these products are lodged in the plant. Their elimination is therefore almost impossible even with good washing. The humid conditions, ideal for growing spinach, also favor fungal diseases. Producers are then also forced to use fungicides.
Thus, between pests, systemic products and fungicides, spinach combines contamination factors. To reduce risks, it is better opt for organic products or wash them well. 60 Million consumers regularly remind us: a few precautions can make a big difference for our health.
