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Pesticides, their effects and the necessary information and news to protect yourself from poison


Pesticide

Everything About Pesticides 

<span font-size:="" 14px;="" font-weight:="" 400\"="">Alışveriş deneyiminizi iyileştirmek için yasal düzenlemelere uygun çerezler (cookies) kullanıyoruz. Detaylı bilgiye<a href="https://pestest.net/pages/gizlilik">&nbsp;</a></span><a href="https://pestest.net/pages/gizlilik" rel="\&quot;noopener" noreferrer\"="" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255);"><u><b>&nbsp;Çerez Politikası</b></u></a><span font-size:="" 14px;="" font-weight:="" 400\"=""><b>&nbsp;</b>sayfamızdan erişebilirsiniz.</span>

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Pesticide Test

Food Safety

Non-toxic Farming

<html lang="en">
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          <p class="editor-paragraph"> Among consumers worldwide, there is a common belief: “<i>Since citrus fruits are harvested in winter, they must have been sprayed more heavily in summer to maintain quality out of season.</i>” Or: “<i>If summer vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers are grown in greenhouses during winter, more pesticides are used to control pests and diseases; therefore, pesticide residues must be higher in winter.</i>” </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> These perceptions are not entirely baseless; however, the determining factors of pesticide residues (the “intensity” at harvest) are not simply the product’s natural season. The actual determinants of residue levels are: </p><ul><li>The timing of pesticide application and the interval before harvest (Pre-Harvest Interval – PHI)</li><li>The type of pesticide used (systemic or surface-acting contact)</li><li>The conditions of the production environment (greenhouse/open field, temperature, light, humidity)</li><li>The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies applied by the producer.
</li></ul><h2>Comparing Seasonal Perceptions with Reality</h2><p class="editor-paragraph"> For instance, citrus fruits harvested in winter are not necessarily more “treated” in summer. Spraying usually takes place in spring and summer, while harvest occurs in winter. Residue levels are determined by the interval between application and harvest, as well as the chemical properties of the pesticide. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Similarly, greenhouse production is more complex than often assumed. In some cases, pesticide use may indeed be higher for summer vegetables grown in winter greenhouses, since enclosed environments have high humidity, pest pressure continues year-round, and low light and cooler temperatures slow down pesticide photodegradation (light-induced breakdown). However, in modern greenhouses, biological control and integrated methods can reduce this need. With proper practices, climate control, and natural pest management, it is even possible to use fewer pesticides in protected environments. Therefore, the idea that “greenhouse in winter = more residues” is also not always true. </p><h2>Main Factors Determining Pesticide Residues</h2><p class="editor-paragraph"> Application Timing and Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI):
The waiting period before harvest (PHI) is the most important determinant of pesticide residues. If adhered to, particularly surface residues from contact pesticides can largely degrade naturally. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Pesticide Type:
Contact pesticides remain on the surface of fruits and vegetables; washing and environmental factors can reduce them quickly. Systemic pesticides, on the other hand, penetrate plant tissues and reach the fruit interior, persisting longer. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Environmental Conditions and Degradation:
Sunlight, temperature, and microbial activity accelerate pesticide degradation. In greenhouses (with less UV light and more humidity), half-lives can be longer, meaning residues may be detectable for longer. In addition, post-harvest and storage methods affect the breakdown of pesticides. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Production Method and Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
Both open-field and greenhouse farming can reduce pesticide use through biological control, natural enemies, and monitoring systems. Especially in modern greenhouse farming, dependence on chemical pesticides is decreasing. </p><h2>Situation in Turkey and Worldwide</h2><p class="editor-paragraph"> According to annual reports by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and FAO/WHO, most food samples are below legal maximum residue limits (MRLs), but a small proportion of violations are detected. These violations often cluster in specific products and seasons. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> In Turkey, official monitoring programs are in place, and for exports, the EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) occasionally reports pesticide-related alerts. These tend to increase during peak harvest and export periods. </p><h2>Seasonally Higher-Risk Products in Turkey</h2><p class="editor-paragraph"> <i>Spring (April–June):</i> </p><ul><li>Strawberries: Turkish strawberries in May–June are subject to frequent and diverse spraying. Their thin skin and rapid consumption make them more prone to residues compared to other fruits.
</li><li>Cherries: Due to short harvest periods and export intensity, pre-harvest insecticide use increases residue risks.
</li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"> <i>Summer (June–August):</i> </p><ul><li>Grapes, blueberries: Fungicide applications against fungal diseases increase in summer, making residues more likely in grapes and other summer fruits.
</li><li>Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants: High pest pressure in hot months leads to increased insecticide and fungicide use.
</li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"> <i>Autumn (September–November):</i> </p><ul><li>Apples, pears, pomegranates: Post-harvest storage treatments and certain fungicides determine residue risks in these fruits.
</li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"> <i>Winter (December–February):</i> </p><ul><li>Citrus fruits (oranges, mandarins, lemons): Spraying usually occurs in spring–summer; since harvest is in winter, if PHI is observed, residue levels are generally within legal limits.
</li></ul><h2>Season Alone Is Not a Reliable Indicator</h2><p class="editor-paragraph"> Seasonality by itself is not a dependable measure of pesticide residues. The citrus example shows why the assumption “winter fruits are more treated in summer” is flawed: residue levels depend on application timing, pesticide type, and PHI. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> For consumers, the key considerations are the producer (or distributor) and the nature of the food itself. Early-season harvests of strawberries and other soft fruits are especially critical, as they face both diverse pesticide use and rapid consumption. Such early-season products, marketed at high prices due to low competition, may actually pose higher risks. Furthermore, the structure of the fruit or vegetable affects pesticide penetration and thus residue levels. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Greenhouse production can slow residue breakdown due to enclosed conditions, but good management can reduce pesticide needs. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> While official monitoring reports in Turkey and globally show relatively good compliance, civil society reports highlight risks of multiple residues and emphasize the particular sensitivity of children. </p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p class="editor-paragraph"> Consumers and policymakers must go beyond “season” and consider scientific criteria. Pesticide testing and reporting should be expanded, and risk assessments should be made based on evidence. Incorporating seasonal fluctuations into monitoring systems would improve effectiveness. Targeted inspections during peak harvest and export seasons would strengthen market control. Educating farmers on PHI compliance and integrated pest management provides essential tools to reduce overall pesticide use. Most importantly, sharing monitoring results with the public strengthens good-faith information flow. Transparency increases consumer trust and protects public health. </p><h3>References</h3><p class="editor-paragraph"> European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Annual Report on Pesticide Residues in Food, 2023. EFSA Journal 2025;23(1):e20010. Available at: <a href="https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/20010">https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/20010</a> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> World Health Organization (WHO) &amp; Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) – 2023 Evaluations. Available at: <a href="https://www.fao.org/pest-residues-jmpr">https://www.fao.org/pest-residues-jmpr</a> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> European Commission – RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed). Annual Summary Report of 2024 on pesticide-related violations and alerts among EU countries. Available at: <a href="https://food.ec.europa.eu/safety/rasff_en">https://food.ec.europa.eu/safety/rasff_en</a> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Republic of Türkiye, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Monitoring Program Results for Pesticide Residues in Plant Products, 2023. Available at: <a href="https://www.tarimorman.gov.tr">https://www.tarimorman.gov.tr</a> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Republic of Türkiye, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry – General Directorate of Food and Control. Annual Activity Reports on Food Control Services. Available at: <a href="https://www.tarimorman.gov.tr/GKGM">https://www.tarimorman.gov.tr/GKGM</a> </p>
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Perceptions, Realities, and High-Risk Foods by Season

Pesticide Intensity in Seasonal Products

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          <p class="editor-paragraph"> According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the average pesticide use in Turkey is about 2.3 kilograms per hectare. At first glance, calculated over the total cultivated area nationwide, this figure may seem “normal” on a global scale. Yet this is only a broad snapshot: when we consider the geographical concentration of agricultural production, the picture changes dramatically from region to region. </p><h3>Intensive Farming Regions: Top 10 Provinces</h3><p class="editor-paragraph"> Antalya, Mersin, Adana, İzmir, Aydın, Manisa, Bursa, Hatay, Muğla and Konya are Turkey’s leading provinces in terms of large-scale commercial agriculture and, likewise, pesticide use.
Taken together, these ten provinces consume an average of 4.5 kg/ha, almost twice the national average. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Konya, however, despite having the largest cultivated area in the country, primarily grows rain-fed cereals and therefore requires less pesticide. If Konya is excluded, the average pesticide use across the remaining nine provinces rises to around 9 kg/ha. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Especially in greenhouse hubs such as Antalya and Mersin, the intensity of fresh fruit and vegetable production for export and the desire for standardized, blemish-free produce significantly increase the need for frequent and regular spraying. </p><h3>Comparison with the World and Europe</h3><p class="editor-paragraph"> According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the global average for pesticide use is about 2.7 kg/ha.
The European Union average stands at 3–4 kg/ha, but in some countries with heavy greenhouse cultivation—such as the Netherlands and Italy—this amount can reach 8–12 kg/ha. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Thus, while Turkey’s national average is close to both global and EU levels, the figure of 9 kg/ha recorded in the top nine provinces (excluding Konya) is comparable to Europe’s highest pesticide-using regions. The greenhouse concentration along the Antalya–Mersin corridor can be likened to that of the Netherlands’ key greenhouse areas. </p><h3>Export Perspective: EU Limits and MRL (Maximum Residue Level)</h3><p class="editor-paragraph"> High pesticide use has a critical dimension when it comes to exports.
The European Union Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 defines Maximum Residue Levels (MRL)—the highest permitted residues of pesticides in food products.
Each pesticide–crop combination has its own limit expressed in milligrams per kilogram, and these limits can be as low as 0.01 mg/kg.
For any pesticide not authorized in the EU, this lowest default limit automatically applies. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), products exceeding these limits are blocked at EU borders, refused entry, returned, or destroyed. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Some active substances that are still registered in Turkey remain banned or strictly restricted in the EU.
For example: </p><ul><li>Chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl, banned in the EU due to risks to the nervous system,
</li><li>Imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, discontinued in the EU because of harm to bee populations,
</li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"> have long remained licensed in Turkey and have occasionally been detected as residues in exported products. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Similarly, the fungicide prochloraz—considered unapproved for many crops in Europe—has been the subject of RASFF notifications for goods shipped from Turkey.
Detection of such residues poses a serious economic and reputational risk for producers exporting to the EU market. </p><h3>Reasons for High Usage</h3><p class="editor-paragraph"> The regional gap in pesticide use in Turkey stems from several key factors: </p><ul><li>Type of production: Cereal production (for example in Konya) generally requires far less pesticide, whereas greenhouse and high-value fruit and vegetable cultivation demand intensive spraying.
</li><li>Climate: The warm, humid conditions of the Mediterranean climate increase pest and disease pressure.
</li><li>Market expectations: Especially in export markets, the demand for perfectly shaped, visually flawless produce pushes growers toward more frequent chemical treatments.
</li></ul><h3>Conclusion: Strategic Management Is Essential for Exports and Food Safety</h3><p class="editor-paragraph"> Overall, Turkey’s national pesticide use aligns with the global average.
However, in the intensive agricultural regions of the Mediterranean and Aegean, the 9 kg/ha figure is on par with the highest levels in Europe. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> This reality calls for rigorous management, not only to meet the EU’s strict MRL limits but also for domestic food safety and ecosystem health. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Adopting Integrated Pest Management (IPM), expanding biological control methods, and conducting regular residue testing are no longer optional but mandatory for Turkey to maintain its export competitiveness and ensure food security. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> <b>References</b> </p><ul><li>Ziraat Mühendisliği Dergisi – <a href="https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/2444374">Provincial distribution of pesticide use (2020)
</a></li><li>Gıda Hattı – <a href="https://www.gidahatti.com/haber/26258023/iste-pestisitlerin-en-fazla-kullanildigi-10-il">The ten provinces in Turkey with the highest pesticide use
</a></li><li>FAO – <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/363016939_Investigation_of_Pesticide_Use_in_Turkiye_in_Terms_of_Provinces_Regions_and_Pesticide_Groups">Global pesticide use data
</a></li><li>European Commission – <a href="https://food.ec.europa.eu/plants/pesticides/maximum-residue-levels_en?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Maximum Residue Levels (EC No 396/2005)
</a></li><li>RASFF – <a href="https://food.ec.europa.eu/food-safety/rasff_en">Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed
</a></li><li>Boell Stiftung Turkey – <a href="https://tr.boell.org/tr/2023/10/10/pestisit-atlasi?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Pesticide Atlas and banned substances</a></li></ul>
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Pesticide Application Rates in Turkey by Province and Comparison with Other Countries

Pesticide Use Intensity in Turkey

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          <p class="editor-paragraph"> The relationship between chemical pesticide exposure and cancer risk has been the focus of extensive global research. Pesticide exposure—especially when it is long-term and occurs at high doses—has been shown to increase the risk of cancer. Pesticides comprise many different chemical compounds, and some have been classified as carcinogenic. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, lists certain pesticides as either “probable carcinogens” or “carcinogens.” </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> According to the IARC list, organochlorines such as DDT pose a major health risk because they persist in the environment for long periods and accumulate in living organisms. They are classified as carcinogenic and have been particularly linked to liver cancer and lymphoma. Organophosphates, known for their effects on the nervous system, are also considered probable carcinogens. Scientific studies have supported a link between exposure to organophosphates such as Malathion and Diazinon and an increased risk of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Carbamates, the herbicide Glyphosate, and some fungicides are also considered probable carcinogens. These substances have been associated with several cancer types, including Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and brain tumors. </p><h3>Cancer Types Most Strongly Linked to Pesticide Exposure</h3><p class="editor-paragraph"> Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL):
One of the cancer types most strongly associated with pesticide exposure. Among farmers and agricultural workers, the incidence of NHL is notably higher. A 2019 meta-analysis revealed that exposure to organophosphate and organochlorine pesticides increases the risk of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 30–40%. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Prostate Cancer:
Pesticide exposure, especially among male farmers, has been linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer. The Agricultural Health Study in the United States reported increased prostate cancer incidence in individuals exposed to certain types of pesticides. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Lung Cancer:
Almost all types of pesticide particles inhaled through the respiratory tract can increase the risk of lung cancer. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Brain Tumors:
Beyond their neurotoxic effects, pesticides have been associated with the development of brain tumors. The impact of environmental pesticide exposure on childhood brain tumors has become a key research topic. </p><h3>Groups at Highest Risk</h3><ul><li>Farmers and agricultural workers: Those who directly apply pesticides or work in contaminated areas have the highest observed cancer risk related to pesticide exposure.
</li><li>Elderly individuals: Because of weakened metabolism and immune defenses, older adults are more vulnerable to the toxic effects of pesticides, which increases the likelihood of cancer.
</li><li>Pregnant women and fetuses: Pesticide exposure can negatively affect fetal development, leading to congenital anomalies and a higher risk of cancer later in life.
</li><li>Children: During their developmental stages, children are more sensitive to environmental toxins. Pesticides can disrupt nervous system development, causing learning difficulties, behavioral problems, and an increased cancer risk.
Research shows a strong link between childhood leukemia and brain tumors and exposure to pesticides.
</li></ul><h3>Chronic Pesticide Intake</h3><p class="editor-paragraph"> Long-term, low-dose pesticide exposure leads to bioaccumulation in body tissues, as the body’s ability to metabolize these chemicals is limited. This accumulation causes DNA damage, hormonal system disruption, and immune suppression, all of which lay the groundwork for cancer development. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Epidemiological studies indicate that long-term consumption of foods containing pesticide residues—even when they are below legal limits—can increase the incidence of hormone-related cancers (such as breast and prostate cancer) and hematological cancers (such as leukemia and lymphoma).
Even when residue levels comply with legal standards, the duration of exposure and the individual’s defense mechanisms must be considered, as health risks can still arise. </p><h3>References</h3><ul><li>International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): <a href="https://www.iarc.who.int/">https://www.iarc.who.int/</a>
</li><li>University of Nebraska Medical Center – Childhood Cancers and Pesticide Exposure: <a href="https://usrtk.org/healthwire/pesticide-exposure-linked-to-childhood-cancers">https://usrtk.org/healthwire/pesticide-exposure-linked-to-childhood-cancers</a>
</li><li>ScienceDirect – Childhood Leukemia and Pesticide Exposure: <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214750024002233">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214750024002233</a>
</li><li>BMC – Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Pesticides: <a href="https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-022-02348-7">https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-022-02348-7</a>
</li><li>Beane Freeman LE – Pesticide Exposure and Prostate Cancer: <a href="https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP484">https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP484</a>
</li><li>Pérez-López FR – Low-Dose Pesticide Exposure and Breast Cancer: <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/18/3231">https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/18/3231</a>
</li><li>Mostafalou S, Abdollahi M – Low-Dose Pesticide Exposure and Chronic Diseases/Cancer: <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0041008X17301290">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0041008X17301290</a></li></ul>
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The Link Between Cancer and Pesticide Exposure, Current Research, and High-Risk Groups

Pesticide Exposure and Cancer Risk

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          <p class="editor-paragraph"> According to records from the European Commission's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), residues of acetamiprid and spirotetramat were found in fresh peppers originating in Turkey that were stopped at Bulgarian customs on August 19, 2025. These levels were documented with the statement "border control - shipment detained," and the notification was classified as a "border rejection notification." Acetamiprid, one of the pesticides found, is an insecticide. Exposure to high residue levels in humans can cause effects such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and nervous system depression. Spirotetramat, another insecticide, is used primarily against aphids and flies. However, high residue levels can have negative effects on liver and kidney function and lead to hormonal imbalances. This incident once again highlighted the importance of pesticide testing, which is critical for safe food trade. If the maximum residue levels (MRLs) accepted within the EU are not met, the relevant products are directly rejected. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> <b>Food Shipments Returned from Turkey: A Trend?</b> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Scenes similar to this have been frequently repeated in recent years. According to RASFF data, numerous agricultural products originating in Turkey were rejected at the border due to residue risks: </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> In March 2024, etoxazole and acetamiprid were detected in fresh peppers entering Bulgaria, leading to a detention of the shipment. Further notifications in March 2025 identified traces of pesticides such as fosthiazate, spirotetramat, and chlorpyrifos-methyl in peppers, leading to border rejections. In April 2024, RASFF issued warnings covering 50 food products shipped from Turkey; 31 of these were rejected entirely at the border. These items included a variety of food items, including fresh peppers, lemons, pomegranates, and dried figs. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> The reports also revealed numerous instances where both banned and highly authorized pesticides triggered alerts in products originating in Turkey: pomegranates (deltamethrin, pyraclostrobin, acetamiprid) were detected in products such as lemons, tomatoes, dried figs, and pistachios. This data demonstrates that Turkey still faces significant challenges in its harmonization process with EU food safety standards. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> <b>Turkey's General Situation and Developments</b> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> As a Customs Union and negotiation candidate with the EU, Turkey is obligated to adapt its food safety legislation to EU standards. However, in practice, there has been criticism that notifications from the RASFF are not adequately monitored in the domestic market and are not communicated to the public and producers. For example, despite rejection notifications issued through the RASFF for products such as dried figs, pistachios, and tomatoes, steps such as official warnings or recalls have not been frequently taken for the same products in Turkey. Furthermore, the fact that the use of even banned pesticides like Chlorpyrifos is still being detected raises concerns about weakened controls. In this context, strengthening regulatory capacity, developing effective inspection mechanisms, and developing transparent communication channels are critical. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> <b>Lessons for Food Safety</b> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> The refusal to allow entry of peppers originating in Turkey into Bulgaria due to the presence of acetamiprid and spirotetramat sends a clear message to both producers and systems: Food safety is not a mere formality. The path to success in the EU market relies on robust pesticide testing, strong inspection systems, and transparent risk communication. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> In this area, Turkey must strictly control pesticide use in production processes, strictly prohibit the use of banned or high-risk substances, take swift and effective legal action in response to notifications received through international alert systems such as RASFF, and implement similar safety protocols in the domestic market and inform consumers. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> These incidents are not only a trade risk but also a serious warning for public health. Turkey can reduce such rejections through systemic improvements and create a safe and sustainable food safety environment for both producers and consumers. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> <b>Source:</b> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Middle East Forum : <a href="https://www.meforum.org/mef-online/turkey-again-tops-list-of-eus-food-safety-violations">https://www.meforum.org/mef-online/turkey-again-tops-list-of-eus-food-safety-violations</a> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Turkey Recap : <a href="https://www.turkeyrecap.com/p/turkey-banned-a-hazardous-pesticide">https://www.turkeyrecap.com/p/turkey-banned-a-hazardous-pesticide</a> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Doğruluk Payı : <a href="https://www.dogrulukpayi.com/bulten/turkiye-nin-sinirda-geri-cevrilen-ihrac-urunleri">https://www.dogrulukpayi.com/bulten/turkiye-nin-sinirda-geri-cevrilen-ihrac-urunleri</a> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Hürriyet English : <a href="https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/safety-concerns-challenge-turkish-food-exports-to-europe-193150">https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/safety-concerns-challenge-turkish-food-exports-to-europe-193150</a> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Intertek Turkey : <a href="https://www.intertek-turkey.com/guncel-duyurular/rasff-mart-ayi-turkiye-orijinli-bildirim-listesi-2025">https://www.intertek-turkey.com/guncel-duyurular/rasff-mart-ayi-turkiye-orijinli-bildirim-listesi-2025</a> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> European Commission RASFF : <a href="https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/screen/notification/784302">https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/screen/notification/784302</a> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Sözcü Newspaper : <a href="https://www.sozcu.com.tr/turkiye-den-bulgaristan-a-gonderilen-biberler-geri-cevrildi-tehlike-buyuk-p213862">https://www.sozcu.com.tr/turkiye-den-bulgaristan-a-gonderilen-biberler-geri-cevrildi-tehlike-buyuk-p213862</a> </p>
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Food Products Originating in Turkey Rejected Due to Pesticide


Rejected Pepper Returns from Europe

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          <p class="editor-paragraph"> <b>What Research Says</b> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> The effects of pesticide exposure on children's health are becoming increasingly clear. The comprehensive CHAMACOS study, conducted in California's agricultural Salinas Valley, found that pesticide residues were found in the air, water, and indoor surfaces of children from farmworker families, and that these children experienced learning disabilities, asthma, and behavioral disorders. The same study found that children of mothers exposed to high levels of pesticides during pregnancy suffered from lower IQ, poor memory, and attention span. Research conducted by Columbia University has shown that prenatal exposure to chlorpyrifos causes brain disorders and mental retardation in children. However, pesticides not only affect cognitive development but also pose a risk for disorders such as autism and ADHD. The University of California has shown that pregnant women living near pesticide-treated areas have a 60% higher risk of having autistic children. Similarly, early exposure has also been shown to be associated with ADHD. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Furthermore, a French ELFE (National Study of Childbirth-From-Birth) study supports these findings, emphasizing that organophosphates are a significant source of exposure through fruits, grains, and bread. These contaminated foods enter the child's metabolism even through maternal consumption during pregnancy. Hair samples from 222 3.5-year-old children revealed 50-100% exposure to bisphenols, organochlorines, and organophosphates, depending on their type, demonstrating that the situation is significant even in Europe. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> <b>The World's Children Are Being Poisoned</b> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Pesticide and pesticide use in Turkey has increased rapidly in recent years, reaching tens of thousands of tons annually. The amount of pesticide per cultivated area is far above the European Union average, a concern for public health. Due to this increased use, pesticide exposure is observed in large segments of society, particularly among children and agricultural workers. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> In a biomonitoring study conducted in Ankara and Mersin in 2023, urine samples from preschool children aged 3-6 were tested for pesticides and metabolites were analyzed. The 3-PBA metabolite, used for pyrethoids, was detected in 87% of children, while the TCPY metabolite, specific to organophosphates, was detected in 60%. Our recent memories are filled with bad experiences with pesticides. In 2019, a 4-year-old girl, Saliha Çakır, died in Kayseri after eating a pesticide-contaminated pomegranate. An autopsy revealed lethal pesticide residues (likely chlorpyrifos), highlighting the deficiencies in oversight, prohibited substance use, and regulatory oversight. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> The dangers of these pesticides for children are repeatedly highlighted by tragic experiences such as the deaths of 6-year-old Karya and 6-month-old Uraz Sandık in Bodrum, Muğla, in 2023, and the death of 1-year-old Altay Toprak Kınalı in Izmir in 2024. In both cases, the extensive use of insecticides quickly poisoned the children in the home to fatal levels. Again in 2023, two of the 13 people poisoned by pesticides in Keçiören, Ankara, lost their lives, and one of them was a child. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> <b>Awareness and a Call to Action</b> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Decades of rigorous research supports the fact that pesticide exposure is far more detrimental to children's health and development. While pesticides are seen as a way to ensure food safety, their excessive and careless use poses a clear and present danger to our most vulnerable population: our children. Parents, caregivers, educators, and policymakers all have a role to play. From making safer consumer choices to advocating for better regulations, awareness must translate into action. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> The economic success of the food supply should not come at the expense of children's health. The goal is not fear, but conscious attention and a commitment to creating safer environments for future generations to grow, learn, and develop. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> <b>Source:</b> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> About the Columbia University Study: <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935122006752">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935122006752</a> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> CHAMACOS Study Information: <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10259762">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10259762</a> , <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4314248">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4314248</a> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> ELFE Study: <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382070857_Exposure_to_pesticides_persistent_and_non-persistent_pollutants_in_French_35-year-old_children_Findings_from_comprehensive_hair_analysis_in_the_ELFE_national_birth_cohort">https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382070857_Exposure_to_pesticides_persistent_and_non-persistent_pollutants_in_French_35-year-old_children_Findings_from_comprehensive_hair_analysis_in_the_ELFE_national_birth_cohort</a> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Pesticide and Brain Damage in Children: <a href="https://www.diken.com.tr/pestisitler-cocuklarin-beyninde-hasarlara-yol-aciyor">https://www.diken.com.tr/pestisitler-cocuklarin-beyninde-hasarlara-yol-aciyor</a> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> DHA ​​news report on Kayra and Uraz Sandık: <a href="https://www.dha.com.tr/gundem/uraz-bebek-ve-ablasi-kayranin-olumunde-saniga-7-yil-9-ay-hapis-kararinin-gerekcesi-gelecegine-etkisi-2419836">https://www.dha.com.tr/gundem/uraz-bebek-ve-ablasi-kayranin-olumunde-saniga-7-yil-9-ay-hapis-kararinin-gerekcesi-gelecegine-etkisi-2419836</a> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> TRT News, Saliha Çakır news report: <a href="https://www.trthaber.com/haber/turkiye/nardan-olumun-sebebi-kesinlesti-tarim-ilaci-salihayi-zehirlemis-608730.html">https://www.trthaber.com/haber/turkiye/nardan-olumun-sebebi-kesinlesti-tarim-ilaci-salihayi-zehirlemis-608730.html</a> </p>
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Understanding the Extra Health Risks of Pesticides

Children's Vulnerability to Toxins

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          <p class="editor-paragraph"> The Holocaust of Bees </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Pesticides are frequently used throughout industrial agriculture to control invertebrate pests, disease-causing organisms, and weeds. However, various types of pesticides, such as insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides, can have negative effects on all beneficial insects, especially pollinators. These substances can lead to the depletion of floral resources and can also have detrimental effects on bees' reproductive ability, navigational abilities, and memory. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Neonicotinoids, one of the poisons used in insect control, are insecticides that specifically target the nervous systems of insects. These poisons affect insects beyond their target area, causing significant damage to the entire ecosystem. Non-target insect deaths lead to the extinction of beneficial pests' natural enemies. Furthermore, the sudden collapse of bee populations, which carry a significant portion of the pollination burden, poses a serious threat to our future food security. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> How Pesticides Spread in Nature </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Insects can be exposed to pesticides in various ways, such as by contacting spray residue left on plants, consuming contaminated pollen and nectar, or interacting with contaminated nesting areas and materials. While animals in the area while fields are being sprayed can poison animals through direct contact, animals that come into contact with the residue are also exposed to the toxins. Furthermore, nests in the area, or toxic materials transported to build nests, permanently entrap insects in the toxic cycle. Furthermore, pesticides are directly released into the air and water during application. More than 90% of pollen samples from beehives and stream water samples collected on agricultural lands have been found to contain more than one pesticide. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Studies show that pesticide use has caused significant declines in bird and fish populations. For example, exposure of deer to neonicotinoid pesticides in utero can lead to birth defects and increased mortality in offspring. These chemicals have been reported to increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders and congenital abnormalities in all animals, including humans. These toxins, once circulating in the ecosystem, accumulate throughout the nutritional cycle. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> All Life is Interconnected </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> The lives of all living things in the ecosystem depend on each other. While pesticides are inherently harmful to all nature, excessive, reckless application and the use of prohibited species exacerbate the danger. Pollination, essential for fruit and seed production in agriculture and nature, faces significant risks. The damage caused by pesticide use to insects causes significant problems in the production of agricultural food, on which our lives depend, and poses mortal threats to the survival of human society. However, the efforts of various institutions and associations and increased consumption awareness over the years have led to improvements in the use of such poisons and paved the way for legally opting for less harmful pesticides that decompose in nature with minimal time and damage. Consumers must identify toxic food products through pesticide testing and information sharing, and then choose the cleanest food they can afford. This will increase the financing of appropriate production and the opportunity for a cleaner world for all living things. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> References </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Neonics Threatening Our Pollinators: <a href="https://www.panna.org/news/neonics-threaten-pollinators/">https://www.panna.org/news/neonics-threaten-pollinators/</a> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> The Effects of Pesticides on Farming and Pollination: <a href="https://www.pollinator.org/learning-center/pesticides#:~:text=Pollinator">https://www.pollinator.org/learning-center/pesticides#:~:text=Pollinator</a> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> The Risks of Pesticides to Pollinators: <a href="https://xerces.org/pesticides/risks-pesticides-pollinators">https://xerces.org/pesticides/risks-pesticides-pollinators</a> </p>
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Pesticides and Pollination: The Impact of Pesticides on Bees and Insects

The Devastation Starting from Insects

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          <p class="editor-paragraph"> <b>Pesticides in Ancient Times</b> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Since the dawn of agriculture, humans have attempted to control pests to increase yields. Evidence suggests that the Sumerians used sulfur-based compounds to protect crops, while China used mercury and arsenic derivatives around 1200 BC. Wood ash and plant extracts were used in ancient Rome, while natural pesticides such as nicotine-containing tobacco extracts and soapy water became widely used after the Middle Ages. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> <b>The Rise of Chemical Pesticides</b> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> However, with the industrial revolution in the late 19th century, arsenic-based compounds began to be widely used. In 1867, Paris Green (copper-arsenic acetoarsenide) was one of the first commercial pesticides used against potato pests. This compound was followed by London Purple in 1892, and then lead arsenate. While effective, these chemicals posed significant risks to human and environmental health. Furthermore, as the world was rapidly changing, populations and conventional agriculture began to boom. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> <b>DDT and the Triumph of Chemical Pesticides</b> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> The turning point for chemical pesticides came in 1939, when Swiss chemist Paul Hermann Müller demonstrated the insecticidal effects of DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane). While DDT was effective in combating malaria by killing mosquitoes and increasing agricultural production, it severely damaged ecological balance and food security. The substance was virtually indestructible, causing a chain reaction of death for all living creatures. Furthermore, mosquitoes and lice developed immunity over time, but the toxins they carried continued to be transmitted in nature. In European countries, where its use had been banned since the 1980s, samples taken from farmers' homes showed toxic cocktails of DDT and other pesticides. In Australia, despite a complete ban since 1987, serious DDT accumulations were found along the coast of Victoria. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> <b>Modern Pesticides</b> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> After the 1950s, various chemical classes were developed, including organophosphates (e.g., parathion), carbamates (e.g., carbaryl), chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g., aldrin, dieldrin), and later, synthetic pyrethroids (e.g., permethrin). However, most of these substances were strictly regulated due to their food safety and environmental persistence, and some were banned. Nevertheless, these pesticides, which persist in the food chain even at the maximum legal levels, are used in almost every country and in almost all areas of agriculture. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> <b>Differences Between Countries</b> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> There are also legal differences between these countries. For example, the US allows the use of many pesticides banned in Europe, both in higher quantities and in larger quantities. In Europe, emergency decrees allow exemptions, and these banned substances hold a significant share of the market through smuggling (10-15%). Of course, the situation worsens with increasing poverty, and the country falls further behind in terms of health criteria and controls. According to GloPUT, the use of these pesticides in low-income countries has increased by 150% in the last 10 years. While Türkiye has more legal prohibitions and restrictions than the US, it is quite liberal in both law and practice according to EU criteria. </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> <b>CONCLUSION: Pesticides Are Deadly</b> </p><p class="editor-paragraph"> Almost all chemical pesticides are used for their direct lethal effects. They pose a health risk to all living things, beyond the ones they target. For food safety, be sure to source your food from the correct source whenever possible and wash it using methods that will remove the maximum amount of pesticide residue. Using pesticide testing will help you gauge product quality and your cleaning methods. Although many products are sold under the guise of organic food, there is no real control or measurement established in our country. As PESTEST, we recommend you verify this claim at least once. </p>
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A Look at the Historical Development of Pesticides

History of Pesticides

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