Pesticide residues detected in wine samples raise concerns

Three more were found in 72 tests than in 2016.

Nine wines had substances with links to cancer while one sample alone contained six different pesticides.

Wine from France had the highest number of pesticide residues found in the 18 samples tested.

Italy’s wine had 26 residues in the 10 samples.

Meanwhile the UK had zero residues found but only one sample was tested.

One in two wines from South Africa had residues of pesticides, with 16 found in eight samples.

The Pesticide Action Network UK carried out the analysis of the data.

Nick Mole, from the group, said: “This massive rise in ‘pesticide ­cocktails’ should be of grave concern because we know that chemicals can become more harmful when combined and yet we continue to set safety limits for just one chemical at a time.”

“The organic wine sector is flourishing, proving that it is 100% possible to produce wine without relying on toxic chemicals.”

Meanwhile, its annual “Dirty Dozen” report on fruit and veg found a sample of grapes scored highest with 13 different pesticides.

READ MORE Effective and safe methods to repel ants without using pesticides

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But peaches and nectarines had the highest percentage of samples with multiple residues present at 85%.

Mr Mole said: “Rates of chronic diseases such as cancer and Parkinson’s are rising.

We urgently need to take a precautionary approach.”

Pesticide Action found 134 different pesticide residues across all produce, half classed by the UN as “highly hazardous”.

Mr Mole urged new Environment Secretary Steve Barclay to make good on promises for better protection from pesticides.

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