EU-Banned Pesticides Found in Rice, Tea and Spices

Laboratory tests by foodwatch detected residues of EU-non-approved pesticides in 45 of 64 products including rice, tea, paprika powder, cumin and curry. 49 products contained one or more pesticide residues and 14 exceeded legal limits. All paprika, chili and cumin samples contained non-approved residues, with one paprika sample showing 22 pesticides including six not approved in the EU. The non-approved substances Chlorfenapyr, Bifenthrin, Spirotetramat, Clothianidin, Thiamethoxam, Imidacloprid and Isoprothiolane were frequently found, six of which were exported from EU member states in 2024-2025 according to ECHA data. The report identifies the pattern of EU exports to third countries followed by re-import as residues, citing the need for the Commission to halt such trade.