European apples contaminated with cocktails of pesticides (PFAS, neurotoxins and other highly toxic substances)

Pesticide Action Network Europe | January 29, 2026

Read the full article (Pesticide Action Network Europe)

"We analysed 59 samples of apples for pesticide residues in 13 European countries. The results highlight the nearly systematic contamination of conventional apples with cocktails of pesticides (85%). While the law foresees it, the EU still does not evaluate the toxicity of exposure to cocktails of pesticides. The results of the survey show that only 7% of tested conventional apples did not contain residues. Two-thirds (64%) of apples contained at least one PFAS pesticide, while one-third (36%) contained neurotoxic pesticides. Remarkably: if the apples were sold as processed baby food, they would not be allowed.

At a time when the European Commission proposes an Omnibus legislation [1] to reduce the level of protection of citizens' health and the environment, PAN Europe and 13 partner organisations [2] published a survey today covering 12 EU countries and Switzerland. It exposes the nearly systematic contamination of European conventional apples with pesticides.

Gergely Simon, campaigner at PAN Europe, says: "One of the most striking results is that 85% of the tested apples contained multiple pesticide residues. The European Food Safety Authority has been tasked 20 years ago to develop a methodology to regulate cocktail effects of pesticides but they still do not fulfil this legal obligation."