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German study found pesticide rakes in conventional and forbidden substances in organic bananas
During the first quarter of this year, the Food Institute of Oldenburg examined the presence of pesticide rakes in 29 bananas from conventional and 11 from organic cultivation. The tested bananas came from Ecuador (14), Colombia (8), Brazil (3), Panama (3) Costa Rica (10) and Peru (2). Results of the examinations are condensed in table 1.
Table 1: Results of the examinations on the tested bananas
Origin |
Total tests |
Test in organics |
Without rakes |
With remains |
Ecuador |
14 |
8 |
5 |
9 |
Costa Rica |
10 |
|
|
10 |
Colombia |
8 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
Brazil |
3 |
|
|
3 |
Panama |
3 |
|
|
3 |
Peru |
2 |
2 |
2 |
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At least, three active substances were found in 28 of the conventionally cultivated bananas. A test for the remaining conventional banana from Colombia contained some tracks of pesticide. With respect to organic bananas, no verifiable rakes of pesticides were found. However, three classified as organic bananas were complained about the presence of active substances (Thiabendazol, Imazalil), these substances cannot be contained in organic produce according to the organic cultivation regulations.
An overview over the number of the rakes in the bananas is given on illustration 1. Two active substances were found in most of the tests.
Illustration 1: Number of the rakes in bananas
Altogether, six different active substances were proved, mainly the fungicides Imazalil (29x) and Thiabendazol (23x).
Illustration 2: Frequency of the proved pesticide rakes on bananas
Why is the banana examined with the peel although the peel is not consumed?
Aim of the examination on pesticide is to check, whether the maximum legal quantities are kept. Maximum quantities should protect the consumer from pesticide rests. Historically, maximum quantities of pesticides are conditioned to the supply form of the foods, i.e. with fruit and vegetables according to unwashed, uncleaned and non-pealed product. This means for the banana that the banana including the peel must be examined in order to test the observance of the maximum quantities.
Source: Niedersächsisches Landesamt für Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit
Translation: Jahir Lombana
Publication date: March 28 2007
Copyright: www.freshplaza.com
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