High Pesticide Levels Found in Local and Imported Produce, Ministry Reports

The Ministry of Agriculture has published the results of its weekly food inspection, conducted from May 30 to June 5. The findings show that one imported and three local products contained pesticide residues above the legal safety limits.

According to the ministry, 32 out of 33 samples of imported produce met safety standards. However, one sample—Armut SM pears imported by Onbaşı İşl. Ltd.—contained pesticide levels exceeding the permitted threshold and was returned to the supplier.

Among locally grown produce, only 3 out of 6 samples passed the inspection. The remaining three were found to contain pesticide residues above the acceptable level.

The contaminated local products were:

• Kapia peppers grown by Hasan Bafkanlı in the village of Bostancı;

• Strawberries grown by Osman Yarkın in Güzelyurt;

• Tomatoes grown by Onan Günhanlar in Akdoğan.

As a result, harvesting from these farms has been suspended until further lab testing confirms the produce is safe for consumption.