What You Really Need to Pay Attention To!: The Truth About Pesticides in Your Herbs

Fresh herbs are aromatic highlights in the kitchen, but they can also be potentially contaminated with pesticides. What does this mean for our health and how can we protect ourselves?

Why are fresh herbs even contaminated? Intensive agriculture uses plant protection products worldwide to combat pests and diseases. Additionally, plants in warmer regions often require more protection from pests, leading to a higher use of plant protection products. 

And how often are herbs contaminated? According to investigations by the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), residues of plant protection products were detected in 67% of tested herb samples. In 24% of cases, even multiple active substances were found in one sample. Herbs from non-EU countries, in particular, more frequently show exceedances of the maximum residue levels.

Up to 28 different active substances were detected in the herbs. The fungicide Azoxystrobin and the insecticide Spirotetramat were particularly common. These substances are usually present in such small quantities that they do not pose an immediate health risk; however, their presence is certainly not without risk. Among the active substances that frequently exceeded limits were Metalaxyl, Chlorate, and Chlorpyrifos. Chlorate and Chlorpyrifos are no longer approved as plant protection products in the EU. And what does this mean for our health? The good news is that the legally established maximum levels are usually adhered to. However, exceedances can pose health risks, especially for sensitive individuals, such as children or allergy sufferers, so caution should still be exercised.

Tips for Safe Consumption

  • Choose organic herbs: These are often less contaminated, as stricter regulations apply in organic farming. 
  • Thorough Washing: Before consumption, herbs should be washed well to reduce possible residues. 🫧
  • Or simply:, grow your own herbs: Indoor farming offers a safe alternative to conventional cultivation methods. In controlled environments, herbs can thrive without the use of chemicals. 

Why do we recommend consuming with caution, regardless of such residues? Since the end of 2020, there have been increasing reports of rising levels of health-hazardous ethylene oxide, especially in the additives carob bean flour and guar gum. The biggest problem is that there are exceedances! In November 2020, there were 190 registrations, and by September of the following year, this had developed into a value of 654 alarming reports. Do you want to know where carob bean flour and guar gum are found? Both can be found in baked goods, desserts like pudding and ice cream, jams, and also salad dressings. This means that through various foods, we unconsciously consume substances that are not good for our health. Therefore, we believe it is advisable to avoid harmful substances wherever it is easy to do so. Just like in our example with herbs, they not only taste better when harvested yourself, but they are also free from any additives. 

Our "table and room garden" systems allow you to grow herbs right at home. You don't have to worry about residues and have as little work as never before. Note:

  • Extremely easy to use: Perfect for beginners and professionals!
  • High Quality: Optimal growing conditions ensure maximum flavor and nutritional value.
  • Safe and clean: No chemicals, pure herbs! 

 

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