Overview
- Greenpeace, which published its analysis Wednesday using FERA farm-use data from 2023–24, counted 102 different chemicals across onions, leeks, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, peas, swede, turnips and strawberries.
- Onions and leeks had 43 pesticides and strawberries 42, followed by 40 on carrots and parsnips, 31 on field potatoes, 29 on peas, 20 on swede and turnips, and five on stored potatoes.
- Seven of the substances are banned in the EU over links to cancer and harms to wildlife, and several are classed as highly hazardous or as PFAS that persist in the environment.
- Defra said residue levels are capped by maximum residue limits set after risk assessments and pointed to a National Action Plan targeting a 10% cut by 2030.
- Greenpeace called for a 50% cut in pesticide and fertiliser use by 2030 with funding to help farmers and tighter rules in homes and public spaces.