After Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina also raised concerns following the entry of Albanian peaches with high pesticide residues into their market. Authorities confirmed that the fruit contained high levels of chlorpyrifos, a pesticide considered particularly harmful to children. Laboratory tests published in an EFSA announcement showed residues of 0.06 mg/kg, compared to the permitted maximum of 0.01 mg/kg. Experts in Bosnia advised consumers not to eat the peaches, warning of risks including damage to the nervous system, vomiting, and confusion.
The tomatoes in question were produced in the agricultural lands of Berat. In this case, the products did not reach European consumers. However, food inspectors in Albania did not issue alerts during August, leaving uncertainty about whether these tomatoes, as well as the peaches, entered domestic circulation.
On August 22, Croatian authorities destroyed 5 tons of peaches from Divjakë after detecting high levels of the heavy metal nickel. This followed similar concerns over pesticide residues in other Albanian produce, raising questions over production practices.
Albanian farmers often harvest crops in greenhouses without respecting the decomposition or waiting period after pesticide use. This can result in residues being present in harvested produce, creating both financial consequences for exporters and a reduction in the market value of "Made in Albania" products.
"This may have been a result of not respecting the waiting period, but not only that, it may also have come from the excessive doses used by farmers or from the lack of alternation of insecticides. Farmers always use the same chemical causes this insecticide to pass through the soil, plants, and then into the product since it does not decompose," explained UBT lecturer Fredi Brahusi.
The continued and indiscriminate use of such chemicals has health implications for consumers. According to experts, highly toxic insecticides can lead to decreased immunity, allergic reactions, and fertility-related problems. "In general, groups of insecticides that in this case are highly toxic, causing allergic diseases or decreased human immunity, but also causing problems with reproduction, which means they can cause difficulties in the production cycle or difficulties," one specialist warned.
The incidents highlight ongoing challenges in Albanian greenhouse production practices, where pesticide management and compliance with international standards remain under close monitoring by importing countries.
Source 1: Albanian Daily News
Source 2: telegrafi