Bananas contaminated by pesticides: percentage tripled

We're at a third of the total. The ISDE Italia study, titled "Toxic Harvest: The Rise of Perpetual Pesticides in Fruit and Vegetables in Europe," is here. How to Protect Yourself

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Unfortunately, one of the fruits we use most often in our menus, year-round, is experiencing an exponential increase in pesticide contamination. Let's talk about bananas: one-third of those sold in Italy are affected by this problem. According to a study by ISDE Italia (the Association of Doctors for the Environment), between 2011 and 2021, the percentage of bananas containing PFAS residues tripled, making them one of the most contaminated fruits reaching our tables.

The bananas arriving in Italy come mainly from tropical countries such as Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Philippines and Colombia, where cultivation is greatly encouraged thanks to the use of three pesticides:

  • Chlorpyrifos: an organophosphate insecticide, which can cause neurological effects in both humans and animals.
  • Carbendazim: a systemic fungicide that is used to prevent fungal diseases on plants.
  • Paraquat: a highly toxic herbicide that can have serious effects on human health and the environment.

Pesticide use is particularly high on banana plantations destined for export, where health regulations require that the fruit be free of pests and diseases to meet international quality standards.

The last specific test on bananas sold in Italy dates back to December 2023 and finds only 3 out of 20 brands free of pesticides and these three products with the worst scores:

  • Lidl Cabana. Rating 2 out of 10.
  • Esselunga Organic Altromercato. Vote 3.
  • Carrefour Organic. Vote 3,5.

But how can you protect yourself from the pesticides contained in bananas? Here are some helpful tips:

  • Although the German magazine K tip has highlighted that the banana peel, with a thickness of about 3 millimeters, is not sufficient to protect the fruit from pesticides, the first advice is to wash the bananas well before peeling them;
  • Certifications how the Fairtrade label and Rainforest Alliance promote more responsible agricultural practices that aim to protect worker health, biodiversity, and soil quality. They also reduce pesticide use to a bare minimum;
  • Favorite Buy bananas from a reputable retailer and make sure it's always the same one.

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