All over France, vine tomatoes have been recalled because they are unfit for consumption. In question ? A chemical product, of the fungicide type, supposed to protect plantations from fungi and other parasites that attack plants. The latter is called chlorothaloniland presents health risks, as pointed out by the site Drink reminder.
Recently, the pesticide was also found in drinking water in France: out of more than 130,000 water samples analyzed, more than a third were contaminated with chlorothalonil residues.
Substance prohibited since 2019
Tomatoes have too high a rate of this fungicide, banned by the European Union since 2019, and must not be consumed. As recalled byINRS“chlorothalonil is very toxic by inhalation, severe eye irritant and likely to cause skin sensitization; it is also irritating to the respiratory tract.” It has been classified as a potential carcinogen.
Despite the fact that it is no longer normally used, traces persist in drinking water to this day. Concerning this batch of tomatoes in clusters of 5kg, the chlorothalonil content amounts to 0.21mg/kilos. The lot number is 61 177 and it has been sold everywhere in France since February 22, 2023. You can return the tomatoes and be fully reimbursed in store.
Sources:
- Drink reminder
- INRS
