Pineapples sold throughout Europe are being recalled due to excessive doses of pesticides. They should not be consumed.
Exotic fruit lovers, be careful if you have purchased pineapples. Several batches are withdrawn from points of sale due to exceeding the authorized limits of pesticides. The pesticide Ethéphon is in question.
What products are affected?
Distributed by Metro, Leclerc and Auchan, these affected Cayenne pineapples from the Exotic Fruit Cameroun brand bear the references:
- Food / Fruits and vegetables Pineapple Cayenne
- Brand: Exotic Fruit Cameroon
- Model or reference: Pineapple Cayenne
- • GTIN 6176000024804 Parcel traceability lot: TA 101 E 1206 Label traceability if present: 53948
- Marketing date: 02/15/2024
- End of marketing date: 02/27/2024
- Storage temperature: Product to be stored at room temperature
- Geographical sales area: entire Europe
- Distributors: Métro (Corbas, Générac, Rungis and Nantes) Leclerc (Socara, Socamaine and Scacentre) Auchan (Tours and Libercourt)
What procedure to follow?
In all cases, the process is the same. The government website Rappel Conso advises that you no longer consume the fruit, destroy it or return it to points of sale for reimbursement.
This recall procedure will end on Tuesday March 31, 2024.
What are the health risks ?
This recall is taking place due to exceeding the MRL and ARfd for Ethephon: 2.5 mg/kg – MRL: 2 mg/kg.
- The maximum residue limit (MRL) defines the maximum concentration permitted without risk to health even if this quantity is consumed every day for the entire life of the individual.
- The Acute reference dose (ARfD) defines the maximum quantity of substance which can be ingested by the consumer for a short period, without risk of dangerous effects for their health. Up to this concentration, there is no risk if consumed all at once or over a short period. Crossing this threshold does not necessarily lead to the appearance of dangerous health effects. The threshold is therefore defined according to a health protective approach.
Ethephon is a plant growth regulator used to promote the ripening of certain fruits such as tomatoes, beets and coffee. In different countries it is allowed for growing pineapples to accelerate flowering. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies this product as “slightly hazardous”.
Regarding consumers, the toxicological evaluation of ethephon conducted by the WHO in 2015 concluded that it is unlikely to present a carcinogenic risk. For users, uncontrolled use is likely to cause several types of symptoms such as skin burns, eye damage, diarrhea, stomach cramps or increased appetite.
