Ugh: red wine from these three major supermarkets contains a controversial agricultural pesticide
An investigation into whether, and if so which, agricultural pesticides are present in red Bordeaux wine and various types of fruit from three major supermarket chains has produced news you won’t be happy about… All the bottles tested contained the pesticide glyphosate, which, although it is still legally permitted, is a substance that keeps recurring in studies into the causes of cancer.
EenVandaag bought four items of vegetables, four items of fruit, and a bottle of red Bordeaux wine from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Lidl. An independent laboratory then tested them for the presence of a total of 31 pesticides. And the results aren’t exactly cheerful…
That doesn’t really go down well
The weedkiller glyphosate was found in every bottle. Glyphosate is also known by the brand name RoundUp, which researchers in America have linked to increased risks of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, miscarriages and ADHD. It is not banned in the Netherlands, and in France it is used in conventional wine production. A French epidemiological study associates it with a higher risk of death from Parkinson’s disease, which is recognised there as an official occupational disease among winegrowers.
No limits exceeded
The supermarkets responded by stating that all measurements taken in this investigation were well within the law and strict regulations, and the NVWA also sees no reason to take action as a result of the investigation. Jumbo added that it applies even stricter requirements than legally required regarding the permitted amount of pesticides on products, as does Lidl.
Sprayed fruit
As for the fruit tested: the same antifungal agent was found on all the mandarins and Galia melons tested, one or more types of pesticide were found on the strawberries from Jumbo and Albert Heijn, and on the grapes from Jumbo and Lidl as well. Admittedly, all were within the legal limits. A substance that is banned was found on the Albert Heijn strawberries, but this may be a breakdown product of a substance that is permitted. The grower has been asked to respond. You can read the full story about this investigation here.
Clean vegetables
The good news: none of the 31 pesticides tested for were found on any of the vegetables. These were chillies, onions, green beans and aubergines. Good news for us, because this editorial team absolutely loves them! So tonight, we can confidently put 3 of the 4 into this delicious aubergine shakshuka, and those green beans? They’ll be lovely roasted on the side!
Also read:
- Why does red wine make you tired?
- Contaminated sesame seeds may still be on sale; why?!
- A bowl, please? This couple ate this instead of pâté…
Source: EenVandaag
