1/5 Fruit & Vegetable Samples Fail Safety Standards in Mauritius

More than a fifth of fruit and vegetables analysed in Mauritius last year failed to meet regulatory standards for pesticide residues, according to a stark new government report.

Data released on 6 January 2026 by the Pesticides Regulatory Office (PRO), under the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, revealed that 21.63% of samples were non-compliant.

The findings have prompted authorities to issue an urgent reminder to the public to wash all produce thoroughly before consumption.

The Scale of Non-Compliance

The 2025 analysis of 787 samples showed a significant divide in food safety:

• 65.39% contained no detectable residues.
• 13.62% contained residues within legal limits.
• 5.45% exceeded the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL).
• 16.18% contained pesticides strictly prohibited for the specific crop.

The combined figure of over 21% represents a serious breach of agricultural guidelines, primarily driven by the “inappropriate use” of plant protection products.

High-Risk Produce: Local and Imported

Local staples are among those most frequently exceeding safety limits. Excessive residues were notably found in onions, chillies, lettuce, pumpkins, and coriander, as well as several varieties of Chinese cabbage.

Imported goods have not escaped scrutiny. The PRO highlighted that oranges, kiwis, grapes, lemons, and potatoes were among the products most affected by MRL breaches.

Chemical Misuse in Leafy Greens

The most concerning category involves the use of non-recommended pesticides. Lettuce, in particular, was found to contain a “strikingly long list” of unauthorised substances, including acetamiprid, carbendazim, and thiamethoxam.

Similarly, coriander was frequently contaminated with linuron, while watercress showed traces of metalaxyl.

Other commonly consumed items such as tomatoes, ginger, carrots, and thyme also showed signs of improper chemical application.

Root Causes and Health Risks

The PRO attributed these failures to farmers ignoring recommended dosages, failing to observe pre-harvest intervals, or using chemicals not registered for specific crops.

While MRLs are set with “significant safety margins” to protect the public, the regulator warned that any breach increases potential risks to both human health and the environment.

Government Response

In response to the 2025 data, authorities have confirmed that non-compliant cases are now subject to “reinforced monitoring.” This includes:

• Additional sampling and testing.
• Awareness campaigns for producers.
• Enforcement of pesticide use laws where necessary.

The Ministry stated it is working closely with farmers to promote responsible practices.

In the meantime, the “simple but effective” measure of washing fruit and vegetables remains the primary advice for consumers to reduce exposure.

Source: Defi Media