EU-banned pesticides found in 45 of 64 tested rice, tea and spice samples

A recent laboratory investigation by foodwatch tested 64 everyday food products — including rice, paprika powder, various teas, cumin seeds, and curry powder — purchased in the Netherlands, France, Austria, and Germany. The results are alarming: 45 of the 64 products contained residues of pesticides that are not approved for use or sale within the EU. Fourteen samples exceeded the legal residue limit, meaning they should not be on the market. All tested paprika, chili, and cumin samples contained non-approved pesticide residues. One paprika sample alone contained 22 different pesticides, six of which are banned in the EU.

The report highlights a systemic flaw: although these pesticides cannot be used in Europe, they are still legally exported from EU member states to third countries. From there, they re-enter Europe as residues on imported food — a “toxic pesticides boomerang” that endangers consumer safety. Frequently detected non-approved pesticides include Chlorfenapyr, Bifenthrin, Spirotetramat, Clothianidin, Thiamethoxam, Imidacloprid, and Isoprothiolane. According to European Chemicals Agency data, six of these were exported from EU countries in 2024–2025. The report coincides with a push by Brussels to fast-track an omnibus bill that would weaken pesticide safety reviews, residue limits, and import controls, further threatening food safety.