09/10/2026
If not doing organic it may be time to take it seriously
🍎 PESTICIDE RESIDUES FOUND IN FRUIT AND VEGETABLES SOLD AT MAJOR AUSTRALIAN SUPERMARKETS
AUSTRALIA — New independent testing has detected a wide range of pesticide residues in fresh fruit and vegetables purchased from Coles, Woolworths and Aldi stores across Australia.
The 2026 Residue Report by Pesticide Action Australia examined 78 samples covering 13 types of produce purchased across five Australian cities.
Researchers reported finding 201 individual pesticide residues involving 54 different chemicals.
Four samples were found to contain residues above Australian maximum residue limits.
The report also identified several pesticides that are restricted or banned in parts of Europe, along with substances classified by the researchers as PFAS-related chemicals.
Pesticide Action Australia says the findings raise questions about Australia’s regulation of agricultural chemicals and the cumulative exposure consumers may experience from multiple residues.
However, Australian food regulators caution that detecting a pesticide residue does not automatically mean a food poses a health risk.
Maximum residue limits are legal compliance limits established for agricultural chemicals used according to approved directions.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority says consumer safety is assessed separately using toxicology data, food consumption patterns and short- and long-term dietary exposure limits.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand and state regulators also monitor the Australian food supply for pesticide residues and chemical contamination.
Major supermarkets maintain that produce sold through their stores must comply with Australian food-safety requirements.
The new report has renewed calls for more testing, greater transparency and closer scrutiny of chemicals used in Australian agriculture.