A well-known supermarket chain from abroad has requested guarantees from its suppliers that its fruit and vegetables are free of neonicotinoid residues or within the permitted limits. This is a test that some fruit and vegetable companies already carry out on their own, even if not expressly requested by the buyer. In recent years, there has been an increase of interest in this field, especially since it became clear that neonicotinoids cause the death of beneficial insects such as bees.
Copyright Sicural
The EFSA's role on the issue is described at this link, where the key steps and actions from 2009 to date are outlined.
"As part of Sicural we are able to provide precise data on the possible presence of neonicotinoids. These insecticides are widely used but are also partly banned or suspended due to their toxicity and/or interference with bee behavior and are also very harmful to larvae. This could help explain why populations decline where they are used.
Copyright Sicural
In addition to fruit and vegetables, Sicural is able to detect the presence of neonicotinoids also on other materials. "Within its multi-residual screening, Sicural conducts neonicotinoid analysis on the following matrices: honey, pollen, and possibly also on organic residues of insects".
In the 1980s, the famous entomologist and popularizer Giorgio Celli (co-founder of Biolab, now Bioplanet) had realized that it was necessary to take action not only to safeguard the existence of these precious and useful insects, but also to protect human health.
For more information:
Sicural
Via Dismano 2855,
47522 Cesena (FC)
+39 0547 377303
laboratorio@sicural.it
www.sicural.it