Greenpeace has raised serious concerns over the presence of a hazardous mix of pesticides, including seven substances banned by the European Union, on vegetables and soft fruits commonly used in traditional English roast dinners. Their recent report reveals that ingredients such as roast potatoes, carrots, and peas may be contaminated with a cocktail of more than 100 pesticides.
According to data from the Fera pesticide usage survey for 2024, 102 different pesticides have been detected across seven categories of vegetables and soft fruits associated with the classic Sunday roast. Notably, among these pesticides are banned compounds such as benthiavalicarb, metribuzin, spirotetramat, S-metolachlor, clofentezine, dimethomorph, and mepanipyrim.
Nina Schrank, a senior campaigner at Greenpeace UK, emphasized the devastating environmental impact: “Our countryside is being drenched in pesticides, with devastating consequences for bees, birds, butterflies, rivers and the soil. Fields that once hummed with wildlife are falling silent while agrochemical giants rake in enormous profits and farmers are trapped in a costly cycle of chemical dependency.”
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The report draws attention to the role of seemingly unwanted plants — often labeled as weeds — which may serve as vital habitats and food sources for a range of wildlife. It highlights the complex ecological web where insects that feed on crops also provide sustenance for other animals. The widespread pesticide use thus disrupts entire ecosystems, causing unintended but severe harms.
Responding to the findings, a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs stated: “We place strict limits on pesticide residue levels in food, which are set after rigorous risk assessments to ensure levels are safe for consumers. These limits apply to both food produced domestically and imported from other countries.”
The spokesperson also noted the government’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, referring to the UK’s national action plan published last year. This plan outlines measures to support farmers and land managers in adopting sustainable practices that reduce pesticide harm while effectively managing pests, preventing resistance, and protecting food security.