Organic farming is known for its environmentally friendly production methods and the restriction of synthetic chemical use. However, the term “organic” does not mean “absolutely zero pesticide residue.” Low-level pesticide residues in organic products can result from several factors: spray drift from neighboring fields, historical soil contamination, or contamination during the supply chain. Intentional mislabeling or undisclosed non-compliant practices can also occur.
Examples from both Turkey and other countries show that even products carrying an “organic” label can sometimes contain pesticide residues. This raises questions about the effectiveness of monitoring systems. Especially in the case of products sold as “organic” without any official certification, there is no reliability whatsoever.
Pesticide Residues in Certified Organic Products in Turkey
Turkey is a country frequently flagged in the European Union’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) because of pesticide residues in organic products. Particularly in dried fruits and vegetables, pesticide residues have been detected even in certified organic products.
For instance, in 2024, chlorpyrifos was found in organic dried grapes originating from Turkey, leading to an official RASFF notification.
Pesticide Residues in Certified Organic Products in Europe and the U.S.
Inspections in Europe occasionally detect pesticide residues in organic-labeled products. According to the 2023 EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) report, 1.6% of organic products tested contained pesticide residues.
Similar incidents have occurred in the United States. In 2024, Yogi brand Organic Echinacea Immune Support tea was recalled—about 900,000 tea bags—because of pesticide residues. The FDA classified this as a Class III recall, meaning the health risk was low, but the product violated regulations and therefore had to be withdrawn.
The Role of Organic Certification Systems
Organic certification systems aim to minimize pesticide use by monitoring production processes. However, their effectiveness depends on the frequency and transparency of inspections.
In Turkey, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry authorizes control and certification bodies (KSK/YK) to inspect organic products. While the scope and effectiveness of these inspections are sometimes questioned, the certification framework has significantly improved the overall market standards.
Not Every “Organic” Food Is Pesticide-Free
Organic-labeled products generally contain much lower amounts and frequencies of pesticide residues than conventional ones. However, it is not correct to assume that every product with an “organic” label is completely pesticide-free.
Consumers should remain cautious and, when possible, check independent pesticide testing data—even for organic goods. Regardless of the label, proper washing and cleaning practices should never be neglected.
Nevertheless, the growing awareness and development of certification systems in Turkey already provide a useful framework to guide consumers.
Tips for Consumers
- Verify the certificate code of any organic-labeled product and check it against the Ministry’s official list.
- Learn to recognize the logos of reputable organic certification bodies before shopping.
- Whenever possible, research local producers and buy directly from trusted farmers.
These steps can help minimize pesticide exposure and support your right to safe food.
References
- EFSA – European Food Safety Authority: EFSA Journal 9398
- Cuatrecasas – EU Pesticide Residue Report: Link
- RASFF – EU Commission Notifications: Notification 691408, Notification 724875
- Yogi Organic Echinacea Tea Recall: Food & Wine Article
- Survey on Residues in Turkish Organic Products: Orgprints Report
- Osman Tiryaki – Pesticide Residue Studies in Turkey: Dergipark Article
- 2025 Local Scientific Study Example: ScienceDirect
