Key facts
- Spanish strawberries show among the lowest pesticide contamination levels in the EU.
- A European study found 88% of strawberries contained pesticide residues, with 58% contaminated by PFAS.
- Conventional Spanish samples had minimal pesticide presence, with organic samples being residue-free.
- The report highlights issues of high water consumption and labor conditions in intensive strawberry farming.
A study by PAN Europe and Ecologistas en Acción has revealed that Spanish strawberries are among the least contaminated with pesticides within the European Union. Across Europe, the analysis found pesticide residues in 88% of strawberry samples, with 58% containing PFAS, often referred to as 'forever chemicals'. More than half of the detected pesticides belonged to the group of most hazardous substances still authorized in the EU, which were slated for phase-out since 2011.
In contrast, Spain's strawberry samples showed significantly lower contamination. Only one of two conventional Spanish samples contained two authorized pesticides below the legal limit, while the other conventional sample had no pesticides at all. Organic strawberries, both from Spain and other European countries, were found to be completely free of residues, reinforcing the safety of organic consumption.
Kistiñe García, coordinator of the toxic substances group at Ecologistas en Acción, stated that the results demonstrate Spain's capacity to grow strawberries without pesticides. The report's authors advocate for stricter enforcement of existing pesticide regulations rather than relaxing them. Koldo Hernández, coordinator of the organization’s water programme, also highlighted the significant water consumption and the described 'semi-slavery' working conditions for women in intensive strawberry cultivation.