Excessive Pesticides Found in Imported Apples and Local Cucumbers and Peppers

Out of 43 samples taken from imported products, 41 were found to be safe. However, two samples contained pesticide residues exceeding permissible limits:

• Non Foods: Starking apples were found to contain excessive pesticides and were destroyed at the company’s request.
• Mesut Karakuş NDL Tic.: Starking apples were also found to have excessive pesticides and were returned to their country of origin upon the company's request.

In local products, 18 samples were tested, of which 15 were safe. However, three samples contained excessive pesticide residues:

• Nazlı Özbay and Mustafa Yıldırım from Famagusta: Cucumbers were found to have excessive pesticide residues, and harvesting was halted until further lab analysis.
• Ahmet Bayır: Yellow Charlie peppers were also found to contain excessive pesticide residues, resulting in the suspension of harvesting pending additional analysis.

The ministry continues to monitor agricultural products to ensure public health and food safety.