The Ecological Movement (Mouveco) sounded the alarm on Thursday, revealing that 61% of conventional food products sold in Luxembourg contain traces of pesticides. The environmental organisation highlighted a stark contrast between non-organic and organic products, noting that pesticide contamination is significantly higher in conventional items compared to their organic counterparts.
During a press conference, Mouveco representatives emphasised that only 13% of organic products tested showed pesticide residues, in contrast to 61% of conventional food products. Additionally, conventional products were found to contain higher concentrations of pesticides, including substances not authorised for use within the European Union.
While Luxembourg-produced conventional foods were slightly less contaminated than the EU average, the organisation pointed out that fruits and vegetables sold in the country are more contaminated compared to those in other EU member states. Mouveco representative Claire Wolff described these findings as “concerning”, underscoring the need for immediate attention.
Wolff specifically highlighted blackberries, blueberries, pomegranates, Mirabelle plums, oranges, and parsley as examples of conventional produce that are “never free from pesticides”.
Mouveco argues that these results underscore the urgent need for the government to take stronger measures to promote organic farming. The organisation is also calling for stricter regulations on imported products entering the EU market.
The findings are based on 2022 data from the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA), the most recent figures available.
