Strawberry is 1 of the favourite fruits of Europeans, especially in spring and summer. Their juicy taste and richness of vitamins make them a symbol of a healthy diet. However, the latest test by German Stiftung Warentest puts in question the safety of strawberries available in popular supermarkets – especially outside the season. 23 samples of strawberries available in the largest commercial networks were tested. The results clearly indicate: the best choice is organic fruit, but among conventional strawberries differences are significant.
Where do strawberries come from out of season?
From May until early August consumers can enjoy fresh strawberries from local German crops. In addition to this period, from September to April – strawberries dominate on the shelves imported from confederate Europe, mainly from Spain and Italy. To last transport and storage, these fruits are frequently treated plant protection productsIt's pesticides. Although their usage is regulated in the EU, the question of the actual level of residues in products entering the marketplace is worrying, especially in the case of natural fruit.
Scope and methodology
Stiftung Warentest analyzed 23 samples of fresh strawberries originating mainly in confederate Europe. Experts were looking residues of up to 900 different plant protection substances. The test included both products normalas well as those having organic certificates.
The organisation focused on key aspects:
- detection and concentration of pesticides,
- compliance with the limits set by EU law,
- an assessment of the possible wellness risks.
Best results: a bio without a charge
The decisive winners of the test were organic strawberrieswhich, as it turned out, did not contain any detectable pesticide residues.
They were peculiarly good:
- Alnatura ‘Amico Bio Erdbeeren’ (Italy) – € 3,99 per 250 g
- Penny ‘Naturgut Bio’ (Spain) – € 1.79 per 200 g
Both parties received the highest scores. Small, although considered harmless, quantities were detected in:
- Edeka Bio – € 2,49 per 300 g
- Aldi Süd Bio – EUR 1,99 per 250 g
According to analysts from Stiftung Warentest, these trace amounts may be the consequence cross-contaminationwhich arise as a consequence of the contact of organic crops with neighbouring conventional plantations.
Conventional strawberries: not all are bad
Despite concerns, any strawberries without an organic certificate She was besides positive. Although these included trace amounts of pesticides, their level was repeatedly lower than EU safety standards.
The best rated are:
- San Lucar ‘Erdbeer-Zauber’ from Kaufland – € 2,99 per 400 g
- ‘Mein Beerenglück’ from Netto – 2,49 € per 500 g
- “Calinda Sweet & Juicy” from Globus – € 2,99 per 400 g
- Strawberries Rewe and Aldi Nord – they were besides positive
These results show that not all conventional strawberry is problematicand any networks implement stricter quality controls.
Strawberries Lidl at the end of the ranking
Definitely. Spanish strawberries available on the Lidl network are the worst felloffered in price € 3,99 per 500 g. These included the highest concentrations of pesticides from all products tested. Nevertheless, Stiftung Warentest points out that even these strawberries have not exceeded EU standards and stay technically safe for consumption.
However, this does not change the fact that in terms of comparative with another brands they are definitely the worst, which can affect consumer decisions seeking healthier alternatives.
What does this mean for consumers?
Three basic lessons come from the test:
- Organic strawberries stay the safest choiceEspecially if we want to avoid vulnerability to pesticides.
- Not all conventional strawberries are equal – it is worth paying attention to the origin and trade network from which they come.
- Prices do not always go hand in hand with quality – any more costly products, specified as strawberries from Lidel, fell little than cheaper alternatives from Penny or Netto.
Regulatory context and future of the market
Stiftung Warentest test results are an crucial voice in the discussion about food safety in the EU. Although all test samples met the applicable standards, experts emphasise the necessity control of pesticide residues, especially in products that are imported from countries with another climates and agricultural practices.
It is expected that growing interest in bio products, as well as the pressures of consumer organisations, will increase transparency of labelling and crop standards. The more so, strawberries, as a seasonal and mass-consumption product, have the possible to form wider consumer habits.
More here:
Pesticides in supermarket strawberries. Test results uncover network differences
