A total of 311 samples of food of plant origin were analysed in March 2026 for pesticide residues. Of these, 97.7% were found to be within the maximum legal residue limits.
“The March results confirm that the vast majority of products reaching the consumer are within strict European limits. Supervisory controls by YPAT continue systematically, both in the internal market and at the borders, with the aim of protecting public health, strengthening consumer confidence and supporting producers and businesses that comply with the rules,” said in a statement by the Secretary General for Rural Development and Food, Spyros Protopsaltis.
According to data from the Directorate for the Protection of Plant Production, of the 311 samples, 45 came from Cross Border Inspection Stations and 266 from the internal market. At the same time, 124 samples were of imported products and 187 of domestic products.
During the checks, the MFAAT said, three samples with unauthorised active substances were found, while seven samples showed exceedances of maximum residue limits.Of these, four samples showed exceedances with a potential risk to consumers.
The non-compliances were found in roots, vine leaves, chamomile, chilli pepper, spinach, potatoes and apples. In two cases of imported products, the consignments were rejected at Border Inspection Posts and were not imported into the country.
The checks on samples from Border Inspection Posts were carried out underRegulation (EU) 2019/1793, which provides for a temporary increase in official checks on certain imported products.
At the same time, in March 2026 Greece made four notifications to the European Early Warning System for Food and Feed, iRASFF, for pesticide residues in food of plant origin.
It is finally noted that the analyses were carried out in the two official laboratories for the control of pesticide residues of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment: the laboratory of the Benakio Plant Pathology Institute and the laboratory of the Regional Centre for Plant Protection, Quality and Phytosanitary Control of Thessaloniki.
