Excessive Pesticide Levels Detected in Local and Imported Produce

According to a written statement from the Department of Agriculture, samples of both imported and local products taken between August 9 and August 15 were analyzed at the State Laboratory and assessed according to European Union pesticide limits.

The statement noted that out of 63 samples from imported products, 59 were found to be clean. Four samples were found to contain excessive levels of plant protection products. Dill from SVS Tic. Ltd. was identified with excessive pesticide levels and was subsequently destroyed at the company's request. Grapes and pears from SVS Tic. Ltd. were also found to have excessive pesticide levels and will be returned to their origin at the company’s request. Apples from REE Cahide Kılıç were similarly found to exceed pesticide limits and will either be returned to their origin or destroyed at the company's request.

Among the 12 samples taken from local products, 10 were clean. One sample of cucumber from Güzelyurt resident İlker Koryürek was found to have excessive pesticide levels, resulting in a halt of the product’s harvest until further laboratory analysis. Additionally, green beans from Tepebaşı village resident Yusuf Duman were found to contain unauthorized pesticides and will be destroyed.