On February 5, 2025, an incident was reported regarding the detection of pesticide residues in citrus fruits, specifically the clementine variety. The contamination was traced back to Greece, raising concerns under the control category of food safety incidents.
The pesticide in question, chlorpyrifos, is recognized as a contaminant and has been flagged for its potential health risks. The incident was officially documented in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) portal, which serves as a critical tool for monitoring food safety across Europe.
Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide commonly used in agriculture, but its use has been curtailed in various regions due to safety concerns. The presence of such residues in food products, like clementines, necessitates immediate attention from regulatory bodies to ensure consumer safety and compliance with food safety standards.
The detection of chlorpyrifos residues in clementines from Greece emphasizes the importance of ongoing surveillance and control measures in the agricultural sector to mitigate contamination risks and protect public health.