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Lab Tests Reveal Pesticide Contamination in Valentine's Day Flower Bouquets

Consumer group UFC-Que Choisir finds harmful pesticide residues, including banned substances, on all tested bouquets, raising health and environmental concerns.

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Jusqu’à 46 pesticides différents ont été retrouvés sur un même bouquet. (Photo d’illustration)
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Overview

  • UFC-Que Choisir tested 15 bouquets of roses, gerberas, and chrysanthemums, finding pesticide residues on 100% of the samples.
  • Some bouquets contained up to 46 different pesticide residues, including known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.
  • Approximately 85% of cut flowers sold in France are imported, often from regions using pesticides banned in the EU.
  • The consumer group is calling for stricter regulations, import bans on non-compliant flowers, and mandatory labeling of origins and treatments.
  • The findings follow a government-commissioned evaluation of pesticide exposure risks in the floral industry, prompted by a past case linking pesticide exposure to a child's leukemia.