Citrus, strawberries highest in pesticide contamination; Bell pepper tops vegetables
Bell pepper tops the list of vegetables with the highest pesticide residues in the Netherlands, while citrus fruits and strawberries share the title for fruit with the most chemical traces, according to the latest PesticidenEetwijzer from the Dutch Pesticide Action Network (PAN-NL).
The guide is based on tests conducted by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) between 2022 and 2024.
Among fruits, citrus varieties such as oranges contain an average of 4.4 pesticide types per product, the same as strawberries. Grapes follow with 3.6 types per product.
For vegetables, bell pepper averages 2.1 pesticide residues, with spinach and pak choi at two types each. Tomatoes average two, and green beans and celery register 1.8 residues per product.
NVWA data show a 7 percent increase in total pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables over the test period, including PFAS compounds and hormone-disrupting pesticides. Measurements were taken from farm to supermarket and included the entire product, skin included. NVWA noted that most measurements remain below legally permitted limits, meaning the residues are not necessarily harmful.
PAN-NL also highlighted the “cleanest” produce. Fruits with the fewest residues are kiwi (0.7), watermelon (0.9), and pineapple (1.0). The least contaminated vegetables are asparagus (0.0), red beet (0.1), and endive (0.1).
Residue levels can vary by season, cultivation practices, and country of origin. “A product with few residues does not necessarily mean few pesticides were used during cultivation,” PAN-NL said.
The Dutch Nutrition Center confirmed that “based on current knowledge, the risk to health from such residues is low” and emphasized the significant health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables. PAN-NL added, “It is important to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Our guide can help you make choices, but do not eat less. For humans and the environment, organic or otherwise unsprayed produce remains the best option.”
Despite increases in residues on produce, overall pesticide use in Dutch agriculture fell 22 percent between 2020 and 2024. In 2024, farmers applied 3.9 million kilograms of crop protection products. The vegetable, potato, and fruit sector, however, saw a 26 percent rise in pesticide usage during the same period.
