Foodwatch Lab Tests Detect EU-Banned Pesticides in 45 of 64 Spice and Tea Products

Foodwatch's laboratory screening of 64 samples across rice, tea, and spice categories detected residues of pesticides banned in the EU in 45 products published 8 June 2026. Contamination was heaviest in paprika powder, chili, cumin, and green tea. The test scanned for 736 pesticide compounds. Products met legal residue limits but contained substances prohibited for domestic EU crop production, exposing a regulatory gap that permits banned-pesticide imports provided thresholds hold.