Spanish strawberries record lowest pesticide residues in EU study

A study by PAN Europe and several NGOs that analysed strawberry samples from 11 European countries found that 88 % of strawberries across the EU contain pesticide residues and 58 % are contaminated with PFAS, persistent "forever chemicals." More than half of the detected pesticides belong to the EU's most hazardous candidate‑for‑substitution group.

Spanish strawberries performed markedly better: only two pesticide residues were identified in one of the two conventional samples, both authorised and below legal limits, placing Spain well below the European average. Organic strawberries from Spain and elsewhere were completely residue‑free.

The report argues the findings undermine proposals to relax pesticide regulations and calls for stricter enforcement of existing rules. It also highlights other impacts of intensive strawberry farming, such as high water consumption and poor labour conditions for women workers, described by Koldo Hernández as "semi‑slavery."