Pesticides are chemical substances used to destroy or prevent the effects of organisms harmful to causing diseases in plants. Approved active substances are placed on a positive list while the approval of the pesticide is left to the Member State. Pesticides make fruits and vegetables look more beautiful, have a nicer color, and sometimes even have a better taste. The Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) of pesticides represent the maximum amount of residue that might be expected on food and ingested by the consumer. The acceptable limit is based on findings the highest dose that would have no negative effects on human health. The EFSA pesticides Unit is engaged in the risk assessment of MRLs and publishes an annual report on pesticides residues found in food in the European Union. In the last Annual Report of EFSA concerning control of pesticides on fruits and vegetable the Agency found out without any doubt that the residues exceeded the legal MRL, which means that the MRL is not respected in the Member States. 47 different pesticides such as HCH Alpha, Lindane, Dimenthoate etc. were used on the fruits and vegetables analyzed. The American Environmental Working Group has published a study concerning 47 pesticides, this research is based on 87.000 tests carried out from 2000 till 2007. This is a summary of the results of the research: “Pesticides have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption and abnormal brain and nervous system development, among other health problems. For these reasons, in 2012 the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a report asserting that children have unique susceptibilities to pesticide residues’ potential toxicity. The pediatricians’ organization cited research that linked pesticide exposures in early life and pediatric cancers, decreased cognitive function, and behavioral problems.”

All doctors and expert nutritionists advise EU consumers to eat fruits and vegetables but it looks as if healthy food is toxic nowadays, due to heavy and uncontrolled use of pesticides.