Fruits and vegetables with excessive pesticide levels destroyed in Northern Cyprus

The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources reported the results of weekly food inspections conducted between January 16 and 22. Laboratory analyses revealed that several imported and locally produced items exceeded the permissible limits of plant protection products.

According to the ministry, 36 imported products were inspected.

Of these, 35 were found to be safe, while one batch of imported pears belonging to Ree Tic. exceeded the allowed limits. At the company’s request, the entire batch was destroyed.

In addition, 28 locally produced items were analyzed.

Twenty-five were deemed compliant, but three cases showed excessive levels. These concerned:

• cucumbers from a producer in Tatlısu,
• mandoras (a mandarin variety) from Yeşilyurt,
• mandoras from Doğancı.

Harvesting was suspended and the products were withdrawn from circulation until repeat laboratory results are obtained.

The ministry emphasized that inspections are carried out regularly across the country and that measures to protect public health will continue to be strictly enforced.