THE European Unionvia its RASFF (Rapid Alert for Food and Feed) system, issued a health warning due to the detection of morpholine in Spanish clementines intended for the French market. This compound, which was banned in Europe more than ten years ago due to its ability to generate a carcinogen known as N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR), has been identified in the internal controls of the responsible company. Although the concentrations found are 0.089 mg/kg and 0.18 mg/kg, any presence of morpholine is prohibited in the EU, where the permitted limit is zero. The batches concerned have already been withdrawn and the clementines offered for sale are safe and sound.
On the other hand, a report of Environmentalists in action on pesticides reveals that 34% of foods analyzed contain chemical wastea percentage which amounts to 41.69% in fruits and vegetables. Products such as peppers and apples, as well as pears and grapes, are distinguished by the presence of residues of multiple pesticides. Overall, 2.8% of Spanish foods and 4.5% of European foods exceed legal limits, raising concerns about the food safety. To reduce risks, it is recommended to wash fruits and vegetables with specific solutions. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry concluded that baking soda mixed with water is more effective than plain water in removing toxic residue.
Food alert due to a carcinogenic component in this fruit
The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) has issued an urgent alert linked to the presence of a banned compound in a batch of Spanish clementines intended for the French market. This tool, used by European Union to coordinate actions against food risks, identified the problem during an internal control carried out by the producing company, which led to the immediate withdrawal of the batches concerned.
The compound detected is morpholine, a chemical used in the past to lighten fruit skins, but banned in the EU more than a decade ago due to risks of forming N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR), a carcinogen identified in animal studies. Although its use is authorized in other regions outside the European Union, community regulations establish that any presence of this compound in foods is strictly prohibited, with a legal tolerance limit equal to zero. Analyzes carried out on November 12 detected concentrations of 0.089 mg/kg and 0.18 mg/kg, qualifying the incidence as “serious”. Fortunately, no cases of poisoning were reported and no additional action was taken beyond removing the products.
On the other hand, a report by Ecologistas en Acción, based on AESAN data, highlights the high exposure of the population to pesticide residues through fruits and vegetables. According to the analysis, 34% of the samples evaluated contained pesticide residues, increasing to 41.69% in fruits and vegetables. Peppers and apples were identified as the foods containing the greatest diversity of pesticides, with 33 and 31 different ones in each case, respectively. Even more worrying is the presence of up to 11 different types of pesticides in products such as pears of Spanish origin or Moroccan grapes.
The clementine alert highlights the importance of strengthening quality and food safety controls, while the pesticide data reflects the need to implement measures minimizing consumer exposure to chemical residues. It is recommended to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them to reduce leftover pesticides and guarantees safer consumption.
How to wash fruits and vegetables at home
Washing fruits and vegetables properly is crucial for eliminate pesticide residuesbacteria and other contaminants that may be present on its surface. Although most of these foods are safe, proper cleaning helps prevent health risks.
The simplest method is to rinse the products under running water, using a brush in case of hard-skinned foods like potatoes or carrots. For a deeper clean, soaking fruits and vegetables in a solution of water and vinegar (3:1 ratio) or water with baking soda can be very effective.
Each type of product requires specific care. Green leaves, such as lettuce, should be washed leaf by leaf after a brief soak. On the other hand, the delicate fruitslike strawberries or grapes, it is advisable to bathe them in water with baking soda. Additionally, foods containing artificial wax, such as apples, should be gently scrubbed with warm water and vinegar.
It is essential to dry products after washing them to avoid proliferation of bacteriaand avoid using detergents, as they are not food safe. Washing fruits and vegetables just before eating them ensures their freshness and reduces spoilage. These habits not only improve food safety, but also contribute to enjoying healthier and tastier foods.
