Imported flowers from outside EU found to carry high pesticide residues
A new report from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) warns that roses and cut flowers imported from outside the EU often contain high levels of pesticide residues, posing significant health risks to florists and sector workers.
Imported flowers from outside the EU are frequently treated intensively with pesticides and biocides to comply with plant health standards. Since these treatments are not currently overseen by the NVWA, harmful residues can make their way into the Netherlands through airports and other entry points.
While consumers are generally safe, small children face potential poisoning if they ingest petals, and improper disposal of these flowers in organic waste can lead to soil contamination and pesticide-resistant fungi. Authorities are now advising that imported flower waste be disposed of in general trash rather than compost heaps to mitigate these environmental and public health hazards.
Employees in the flower industry, including florists, auction staff, and inspectors, are at risk from residues on imported cut flowers. The danger is particularly high if they do not wear personal protective equipment.
To prevent invasive insects, like the Thrips or Leaf Miner, from entering Europe, the EU requires imported flowers to be "pest-free." Because of this, growers from outside the EU often "bomb" the flowers with heavy pesticides right before shipping to ensure they pass the visual inspection at the border, even if it leaves a toxic residue for the florist who opens the box.
Flower waste can pose risks to bees and soil organisms if it enters the environment.
Discarding roses with garden waste may promote fungi that develop resistance to azoles, chemicals crucial for agriculture and for human medical treatments.
The Dutch Office for Risk Assessment and Research (BuRO) recommends legally controlling residues on imported flowers. It advises that both companies and consumers avoid placing imported flowers in green waste or compost, and instead dispose of them as residual waste.
BuRo added that improved guidance is needed for consumers, particularly regarding the risks of eating flowers, and for employees in the flower industry. The NVWA plans to step up inspections and sampling at the country’s borders and urges the sector as a whole to reduce the import of flowers with high levels of chemical residues.
