Greece recorded a 97.7% compliance rate in pesticide residue checks on plant-based food products in March 2026, according to data from the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food.
Authorities analyzed 311 samples as part of the country’s official monitoring program for pesticide residues. The results showed that the vast majority of products met the maximum residue limits set under European Union rules.
The ministry conducted the analyses through its two official pesticide residue control laboratories: the laboratory of the Benaki Phytopathological Institute and the laboratory of the Regional Centre for Plant Protection, Quality and Phytosanitary Control of Thessaloniki.
Greece’s pesticide residue checks covered imports and domestic products
According to the Directorate of Plant Production Protection, inspectors collected 45 of the 311 samples at Border Control Posts and 266 from the domestic market. The checks covered both imported and Greek products. In total, 124 samples came from imported goods, while 187 concerned domestically produced products.
Spyros Protopsaltis, Secretary General for Rural Development and Food, said the March results confirm that the overwhelming majority of products reaching consumers comply with strict European standards.
He added that the ministry continues to carry out systematic inspections across the domestic market and at the country’s borders. These checks aim to protect public health, strengthen consumer confidence, and support producers and businesses that follow the rules.
Non-compliant findings identified in specific products
The March inspections also found a limited number of non-compliant cases. Authorities detected three samples containing active substances not approved for use.
Seven samples exceeded the maximum residue limits for pesticide residues. Of those, four may pose a potential risk to consumers.
Inspectors found the non-compliant samples in pomegranates, vine leaves, chamomile, chili peppers, spinach, potatoes, and apples.
In two cases involving imported products, authorities rejected the shipments at Border Control Posts and prevented them from entering Greece.
Border checks follow EU import control rules
Authorities tested the samples collected at Border Control Posts under Regulation (EU) 2019/1793.
The regulation requires increased official controls on certain imported products that need closer monitoring.
In March 2026, Greece also submitted four notifications to the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, iRASFF, concerning pesticide residues in plant-based foods.
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