Pesticide testing raises concerns over supermarket fruit and veg

A new test of supermarket produce has revealed pesticide levels that breach Australia’s permitted levels, including Sydney strawberries containing nearly 10 times the allowed amount of a single fungicide. 

The shock findings come from a snapshot by Pesticide Action Australia, which looked at 13 different types of fruit and vegetables from Aldi, Coles, and Woolworths stores across five capital cities.

The produce was bought in June and sent to an independent laboratory the day it was purchased.

Testing detected 201 pesticide residues across the 78 samples, with four samples exceeding Australian maximum residue limits.

The findings do not mean all supermarket produce is affected – the testing is a snapshot rather than a national average.

Exceeding a maximum residue limit also doesn’t necessarily mean something is unsafe to eat. 

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Among the four samples was a capsicum bought in Perth that contained fipronil, despite no residue being permitted on that crop.

Pesticide Action Australia classifies fipronil as a PFAS pesticide, part of the broad group commonly known as “forever chemicals”.

The most alarming result was recorded for strawberries purchased in Sydney, in which one fungicide was detected at nearly 10 times the maximum residue limit.

Pesticide Action Australia’s Eleanor Davis said she was concerned about repeated exposure to multiple chemicals.

“This is a particular concern to be finding more and more pesticides and residues of PFAS in the food that we’re consuming because we’re being exposed to this low-level chemical cocktail on a daily basis.”

The organisation is calling for greater transparency around pesticide residue testing by supermarkets and government.

Its testing covered apples, avocados, bananas, blueberries, broccoli, capsicum, cucumber, grapes, lettuce, potatoes, rockmelon, strawberries and tomatoes.

For consumers, the organisation recommends washing fresh produce, which can remove some pesticide residues.

But washing will not necessarily remove chemicals that have penetrated the fruit or vegetable itself.

In a statement, an ALDI spokesperson said the supermarket requires its fresh produce suppliers to meet recognised food safety standards, including GFSI and HARPS certifications.

“Suppliers undertake regular testing with fresh produce items required to comply with all standards. In addition to supplier testing, ALDI conducts risk-based surveillance testing as part of its food safety and quality assurance program.”

A Coles spokesperson said food safety is their “highest priority”.

“We expect all fresh produce suppliers to meet strict food safety requirements and comply with applicable Australian regulations.

“All fresh produce supplied to Coles must come from certified growers who follow strict food safety and testing requirements on pesticide use and when produce can be harvested.

“Our supply chains are independently audited, and Coles regularly tests a range of fresh produce for pesticide residues throughout the year, as we have done for decades.”

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Woolworths said it maintains “the strictest food safety standards, and ensure full compliance with all legislative requirements set by Food Standards Australia New Zealand and the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority”.

“All our primary suppliers and growers are independently audited under the Harmonised Australian Retailer Produce Scheme which mandates residue testing and agricultural standards.

“In addition, our technical teams conduct risk-based testing, farm site inspections, and work closely with state food safety regulators to ensure produce integrity.”