Grape leaf harvest destroyed in the TRNC over banned pesticides

The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the TRNC announced that unauthorized plant protection products were detected in locally produced grape leaves during routine food inspections.

According to the ministry's statement, inspections were carried out between May 22 and 25. In total, specialists checked 21 samples of imported products — all of them complied with safety standards and raised no concerns.

However, during the analysis of local produce, violations were found in grape leaves produced by farmer Abdulkadir Atmacay from Yesilyurt. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of a non-recommended pesticide.

The ministry said that after the inspection results were received, the entire harvested crop of grape leaves was destroyed.

The authorities stressed that such checks are carried out regularly to ensure food safety and protect public health. The ministry also reminded producers that they must use only permitted plant protection products in accordance with current regulations.