Excessive Pesticides Found in Imported and Local Produce

The samples, collected by the Department of Agriculture between November 22-28, were analyzed at the State Laboratory.

Out of 27 imported samples, 21 were deemed safe, while six were found to exceed permitted pesticide levels. The department provided the following details regarding the non-compliant products:

• SVS Tic. Ltd. Şti: Excessive pesticide levels were detected in pears, which were returned to their origin at the firm's request.
• İşeyen Kardeşler: Pesticide levels in Granny Smith apples exceeded limits, leading to their return or destruction.
• Menteş Kardeşler Tic. Ltd.: Pears exceeding limits were returned to their origin at the firm's request.
• Onbaşı İşl. Ltd.: Excessive pesticides were detected in white grapes and Granny Smith apples, resulting in their return to origin.
• REE Tic. Cahide Kılıç: Pesticides exceeding limits were found in Ankara pears, which were returned or destroyed at the firm's request.

For local produce, 17 samples were analyzed, with 14 deemed safe. However, three samples showed irregularities:

• Duran Kılbıyık (Şahinler village): Excessive pesticides were found in tomatoes, halting their harvest pending further analysis.
• Vehbi Kabak (Famagusta): Cucumbers with excessive pesticide levels led to a halt in harvesting until the next lab analysis.
• Kemal Bayur (Haspolat village): Spinach was found to contain unapproved pesticides and was ordered to be destroyed.

The Department of Agriculture continues to monitor compliance to ensure food safety.