Pesticide Residues in Organic and Conventional Apples and Potatoes Served in Tartu (Estonia) School Meals

Abstract

Public concern about pesticide residues in food has fuelled increasing demand for organic produce, yet the actual differences in residue levels between organic and conventional foods remain debated. The aim of this study was to compare pesticide residues in organic and conventional apples and potatoes served in school meals in Tartu, Estonia. A total of 36 samples were collected from 18 school canteens and analysed for 791 pesticide residues using accredited chromatographic methods at Eurofins LZV (Laboratorium Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, The Netherlands). No residues were detected in either organic or conventional potatoes, nor in organic apples. In contrast, residues of multiple pesticides were identified in 94.4% of conventional apple samples, all at concentrations below EU maximum residue limits. Captan was the most frequently detected residue (83%), and a few apple samples also contained carbendazim and spirodiclofen, both of which are banned in the EU. The findings indicate that both organic and conventional apples and potatoes largely comply with EU food safety standards. Nevertheless, the occasional detection of banned substances highlights the importance of continuous monitoring, as residue patterns may vary across the EU despite harmonised regulations.