Most European strawberries contain ‘forever chemical’ pesticides that disrupt hormones, study finds

Residues of so-called ‘forever chemical’ pesticides are present in almost 60 percent of Europe’s strawberries, according to new research published on Tuesday (7 July). 

The research by Pesticides Action Network Europe and its national partner NGOs, which analysed 41 locally-produced strawberry samples across 11 EU countries, 39 percent of strawberries contained fludioxonil and 33 percent cyprodinil, both of which interfere with the human body’s natural hormones. 

In total, so-called ‘forever chemicals’ were detected in 58 percent of the samples. 

Meanwhile, 56 percent of the identified pesticides are part of the group of the ‘more hazardous pesticides’ that should have been phased out under existing EU law since 2011. 

As well as being one of Europe’s most popular fruits, strawberries are particularly popular among children who are most vulnerable to endocrine disruptors. 

The studies also found that 17 percent of samples contained neurotoxic pesticides which damage brain development and the nervous system.