A closer look at pesticides in food

Pesticides in food

Food authorities in EU countries monitor pesticide residues in food to ensure they do not exceed EU limits, and prevent health risks.

133 000 food samples were collected in the EU, Iceland and Norway in 2023 (the latest reporting year) covering food from all continents.

98% of these samples were compliant with EU limits, including 58% with no quantifiable residues. The percentage of compliant samples has been very high and stable over the past 10 years, with an average of 97.8%

Origin of the samples

  • 54% produced in the EU
  • 4% of unknown origin
  • 42% from outside of the European Economic Area

What happens when a sample is non-compliant?

  • STOP: Authorities can stop a food batch at the EU border
  • SANCTION: Authorities can impose penalties such as fines
  • WITHDRAW: In serious cases, authorities can take products off the market and/or customers are warned or reimbursed

Would you like to know more?

Access additional data on pesticide residues in food on EFSA’s interactive tool that allows you to browse the data in charts and graphs.

Pesticides