Pesticides Detected in Strawberries, Peppers, and Eggplants in Northern Cyprus

The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has released the results of its latest weekly food safety inspections, revealing that several produce samples contained pesticide residues above the legal limit.

The inspections, conducted between May 2 and 8, involved testing both locally grown and imported products at the State Laboratory. All samples were evaluated according to the maximum pesticide residue limits set by the European Union.

According to the ministry, 25 out of 28 samples of local produce were deemed safe. However, three products—strawberries from Yedidalga, peppers from Famagusta, and black eggplants from Tatlısu—were found to contain pesticide levels exceeding the legal threshold. Harvesting of these items has been temporarily suspended until further laboratory testing is completed.

As for imported goods, 25 out of 26 samples passed inspection. Only one item, a product labeled “Armut SM,” tested above the acceptable pesticide limit and was returned to the supplier at the request of the importing company.