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Rabat – German authorities have withdrawn a shipment of Moroccan peppers after tests showed high levels of Abamectin, a pesticide that poses serious health risks.
The peppers reached Germany through Spanish importers, according to Hortoinfo.
Documents from the European Commission confirm that inspections detected Abamectin levels at 0.12 mg/kg, four times higher than the maximum allowed residue of 0.03 mg/kg.
The European food safety system classified the case as serious and prompted immediate action to remove the peppers from the market.
Abamectin is widely used in agriculture to control insects and mites. It targets the nervous system of pests, causing paralysis and eventual death.
While effective for pest control, the chemical raises concerns due to its toxicity. Exposure through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact may lead to dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tremors, and, in severe cases, respiratory failure.
Authorities in Germany regularly test imported produce to ensure compliance with food safety standards. The discovery of excessive pesticide levels in Moroccan peppers is one of the many examples of ongoing challenges in monitoring chemical residues in fresh food.
While European regulations set strict limits on pesticide use, occasional violations raise questions about oversight in supply chains.
With the recall in effect, German authorities remain focused on preventing contaminated produce from reaching consumers.
Importers and distributors may now face increased scrutiny as regulators work to ensure compliance with European health and safety standards.
Although Europe bans these hazardous chemicals to safeguard public health and the environment, they are still sold to disadvantaged countries for profit.
In 2020, a study revealed that Morocco is one of the top destinations for European countries exporting toxic pesticides that are banned in the EU.
