61% of 155 Samples Contain Multiple Pesticide Residues
Pesticide test analyses conducted by Greenpeace Türkiye as part of its "Pesticides and Children" study were reported by food engineer Dr. Bülent Şık and published on April 28, 2025. According to the results, one in three foods contains residue levels that violate established limit values. The study, conducted with an emphasis on children's health, revealed striking findings about the general state of food markets.
The Sad Truth in City Markets
Eleven samples of 14 types of vegetables were taken from five supermarket chains and various markets in Istanbul. More than one pesticide residue was detected in 61% of the samples. Half of these pesticide-containing products contained pesticides, posing a significant risk to food safety. The health risks posed by these substances span a spectrum from hormone disruption to cancer. All pesticides, especially some, pose a serious health risk to children, especially during their developmental years.
Foods Containing the Most Pesticide
The most contaminated samples were found in pickled vine leaves (80%), green peppers (70%), and spinach (67%). Additionally, products such as lettuce, apples, and pears were found to contain 30-40% pesticide residue. All other vegetables contained varying amounts of pesticide residue, though less than this. Based on all products tested, 43% of foods contained PFSA (per/polyfluoroalkyl pesticide) residues, which are particularly risky for children's health.
CONCLUSION
Compared to the detailed pesticide report published by Greenpeace in 2020, although there has been an improvement in products like tomatoes and cucumbers, the overall situation appears to remain dire. However, a detailed study demonstrates that consuming seasonal fruits and vegetables can significantly reduce the amount of pesticides used. Protect your health by consuming seasonal and natural products as much as possible and, if possible, by obtaining information through pesticide testing. References
Greenpeace's publication on the subject: https://www.greenpeace.org/turkey/basin-bultenleri/greenpeace-turkiyeden-pestisitler-ve-cocuklar-raporu-155-urunun-yuzde-61inde-coklu-pestisit-kalintisi-bulundu/
Greenpeace 2020 Türkiye pesticide report: https://www.greenpeace.org/static/planet4-turkey-stateless/2020/01/a314cc16-soframizdaki-tehlike-pestisit-greenpeace-rapor.pdf
