NVWA: Most food within pesticide safety limits

Most food products in the Netherlands remain well within the safety limits for pesticide residues. This is shown by the annual research conducted by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). Even so, in 2024 the agency found a small number of products containing excessive residue levels. These batches were removed from the market.

Figures that reassure

More than 7,000 food samples were tested last year, 2,226 of which came from Dutch companies. In roughly one-third of these cases, no residues were detected at all. Only 3 percent exceeded the legal limit. These products were immediately withdrawn from sale, and the companies involved received a written warning. In 16 samples (0.7%), the value even exceeded the threshold for short-term exposure. This resulted in an administrative fine and a mandatory recall.

The NVWA also tested 4,846 samples at Dutch airports and seaports. These checks are intended to prevent products that fail to meet EU standards from entering the European market. Of these imported samples, 2.7 percent did not comply with the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) and were therefore refused entry. Remarkably, more than 30 percent of import samples contained no pesticide residues at all.

Within safe limits

Each year, the NVWA shares its findings with EFSA, RIVM and other European member states. The data form the basis for risk-based inspections and for setting new limits. Scientific models show that total exposure to pesticide residues through food remains within safe levels.

The likelihood that pesticide residues pose a health risk is therefore low, while the benefits of fruit and vegetables are significant. The Dutch Nutrition Center advises consumers to continue eating a variety of fruit and vegetables. This ensures an intake of all essential nutrients while keeping exposure to any single substance to a minimum.

Nvwa.nl