NEWS

Tests find toxic chemicals on fruit and vegetables

More than two dozen chemical substances, including some whose use is banned in the European Union, have been discovered during random tests on fruit and vegetables from grocery stores and supermarkets in Athens.

In tests carried out by environmental group Greenpeace, 27 different substances were found in 24 samples of apples, pears, carrots, zucchinis, potatoes, onions and bananas from stores in various parts of Athens. Fifteen of the products were Greek and nine were imported. Among the chemicals found were linuron, a herbicide whose ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and imazalil, a pesticide identified as likely being carcinogenic.

Greenpeace said that apart from substances that have been banned in the EU, chemicals that are considered “toxic” or “very toxic” were found on the produce tested. The environmental organization called for closer checks by the government.

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