Archived press release

Illegal pesticides found in lettuces

17 September 2002

Pesticide levels breached in nearly one sample in every five

A survey of winter lettuces published by the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) has found that 18% of samples contained pesticides exceeding the Maximum Residue Level (MRL) and 6% contained non-approved pesticides [1]. In two cases where pesticide levels were considered by the PSD to be “possible safety risks”, the growers had followed labelling instructions.

Examples of particular concern include:

• Dimethoate was found at levels over the EU and UK statutory MRL in several samples, in one case at over ten times the permitted level. This pesticide is not approved for use on winter lettuce in the UK. Dimethoate is an organophosphorous (OP) insecticide. OPs work on the nervous system and are under review due to concerns about their potential health effects. Scientists have linked OP exposure to behavioural problems in children. Dimethoate is also listed by the EU as a suspected hormone disrupter.
  
  
• Pirimicarb and propamocarb were found at levels over the Codex MRL (an international, non-statutory guideline). These are insecticides which also work on the nervous system. They are subject to the same review as organophosphorous pesticides as they work in a similar way.
  
  
• The Pesticide Safety Directorate states that two cases of Codex MRL exceedences for Methyl Bromide were “judged as possible safety risks”. No action was taken against the growers because the pesticide had been used according to label instructions. Methyl Bromide is listed as being “highly toxic” by the UK Pesticides Guide. Industrial countries must phase this substance out by 2005 due to it being an ozone-depleting chemical.

Sandra Bell, pesticides campaigner for Friends of the Earth said:
“Consumers will be alarmed to learn that nearly a fifth of lettuces tested had pesticide residues that breach UK and international limits, and that some contained chemicals banned in the UK. This raises concerns for people using these chemicals as well as for consumers. It is disturbing that some of these breaches occurred when growers were simply following label instructions given by the pesticide company.

The voluntary approach to reducing pesticide-use is failing. We need tough legal and financial measures to protect peoples’ health and significantly more resources to help farmers and growers off the chemical treadmill.”

Notes

1. A total of 153 samples were tested. The majority were grown in the UK. The survey was undertaken because winter lettuce, grown in glasshouses, is particularly prone to fungal attack and problems with over-use of pesticides and use of non-approved pesticides has been found in the past.
See: www.pesticides.gov.uk

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust