Imported citrus in Spanish supermarkets found with prohibited EU pesticides

An analysis by the Valencian agricultural organization La Unió Llauradora has revealed that 83% of imported citrus fruit samples tested in Spanish supermarkets contain residues of substances not approved for use as pesticides in the European Union.

The study examined 12 samples purchased on September 9 from retailers including Carrefour, Consum, and Mercadona. Of these, nine samples originated from South Africa, while two lacked origin labels and one was labeled as Spanish, though the report questioned that specific labeling based on the fruit's characteristics.

Laboratory tests identified a “cocktail of pesticides,” with between four and nine different active substances found in single pieces of fruit. Notable substances identified include Spirotetramat (prohibited in the EU since May 2024), Methoxyfenozide (not approved since April 2026), and 2-phenylphenol (unauthorized since January 2020). While the organization noted that the fruit is not illegal or unsafe under current legal limits for individual residues, they are calling for stricter controls on imported citrus to address the discrepancy between EU grower regulations and imported products.