Greenpeace Investigation Highlights Pesticide Residues in Tomatoes

September 14, 2026 · GıdaTarım

Laboratory analyses of tomato samples collected from chain supermarkets in Istanbul revealed that 15% of the samples contained agricultural chemicals in violation of regulations.

Pesticide Residue Investigation in Tomatoes

The widespread use of chemical pesticides instead of biological and biotechnological methods in pest control in Turkey has brought food safety discussions back to the agenda. In a study conducted by Greenpeace Turkey, a total of 20 tomato samples were obtained from five chain supermarkets located in four districts of Istanbul. These collected samples were subjected to detailed analysis in an independent laboratory to examine agricultural chemical residues and active ingredients.

Laboratory Analyses and Regulatory Violations

According to the laboratory results shared by Greenpeace Turkey, 3 out of the 20 tomato samples examined, representing 15%, were found to contain agricultural chemicals in violation of regulations. The most striking finding of the study was the detection of residues of a banned agricultural chemical in one tomato sample. The number of tomatoes containing no pesticide residue among all analyzed samples was recorded as only one.

Residue Limits and Food Safety

Although chemicals in violation of regulations were detected in the research, none of the 20 tested tomatoes contained pesticides exceeding the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL), which is the legally tolerable limit. These levels, remaining within regulatory boundaries, indicated that the analyzed samples were below the legal consumption limits. It is emphasized that the global food safety system operates on the basis of legal upper limits rather than zero residue, and correct agricultural practices are crucial.

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