French authorities have ordered the recall of a batch of tomatoes imported from Spain due to high levels of the pesticide acetamiprid. The recall was announced through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, which is part of food safety control procedures. The affected tomatoes are round tomatoes from the Prix Bas brand, distributed by stores belonging to the Auchan group. They were marketed in various parts of France between September 13 and 18, 2026.
The recall was prompted by the detection of elevated levels of acetamiprid, a pesticide used in agriculture to control various pests. This substance belongs to the neonicotinoid family, which has raised concerns about its potential impact on the environment, particularly on pollinating insects like bees. Although acetamiprid has been banned in France since 2018, it remains permitted at the European level, including in Spain, where the tomatoes were sourced.
Consumers who still have the affected products are advised not to consume them and to return them to the point of purchase for a refund. The alert is particularly significant due to the nature of the substance detected. The European Union has set a maximum residue limit for acetamiprid in tomatoes, and the levels found in the affected batch exceeded this limit.
According to data from the alert, the acute reference dose of acetamiprid was 233%, indicating that the risk to consumers cannot be ruled out. The recall affects not only the safety of consumers but also raises questions about the use of pesticides in agriculture and their potential impact on the environment.
The use of neonicotinoids, including acetamiprid, has been a topic of debate in recent years due to concerns about their impact on pollinators and the environment. In 2018, France banned the use of acetamiprid, but it remains authorized in some European countries, including Spain.
The recall of the Spanish tomatoes highlights the importance of food safety controls and the need for vigilance in monitoring pesticide residues in imported products. It also underscores the challenges of ensuring compliance with safety standards and the potential consequences of non-compliance.
The French authorities have taken swift action to recall the affected products and protect consumer health. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust food safety systems and the need for cooperation between countries to ensure the safe trade of food products.
Key points
- The recall was prompted by high levels of acetamiprid, a pesticide banned in France since 2018.
- The affected tomatoes were distributed in various parts of France between September 13 and 18, 2026.
- Consumers are advised to return the affected products to the point of purchase for a refund.
