A study conducted byUniversity of Messina revealed a worrying reality: more than a third of the extra virgin olive oil samples analyzed contained pesticide residues above limits permitted by European legislation. Of 50 samples from various European countries collected between 2021 and 2023, 21 were found to be contaminated.
Monitoring
Professor Mondello's team, with the researcher Mariosimone Zoccali on the front line together with Alessia Arena, Antonio Ferracane and Danilo Donnarumma, has analyzed 50 samples of extra virgin olive oil, of which 23 Italians and 27 from other European countriesThe selection aimed to ensure representativeness of continental production. The samples were obtained through participation in a European project, purchased at the supermarket, or supplied by small local producers.
A reassuring fact emerges for organic oil: none of the six Italian samples from organic farming showed detectable concentrations of pesticides.
Cutting-edge analysis
To conduct the study, the researchers developed two new analytical methods based on liquid and gas chromatography, capable of monitoring up to 260 different pesticides. “The European Community requests to control 185 of them,” Zoccali declared to the buoy, “we analyzed 75 more.” The method also stands out for its rapid sample preparation and minimal use of organic solvents, making it more sustainable and safe for laboratory workers.
To assess the risk, European algorithms were applied to estimate acute and chronic exposure resulting from the consumption of contaminated oils, with particular attention to the most vulnerable groups.
Impact on minors
Detailed results show a consistent presence of residues: in 2021, 8 out of 13 samples were contaminated; in 2022, 10 out of 16; and in 2023, the percentage dropped to 3 out of 21.
Attention has focused on the impact on the child population. Two pesticides, the cypermethrin and the sum of endosulfan and endosulfan sulfate, showed an average chronic exposure exceeding 100% of the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) in children. This highlights a long-term risk for young children. For other population groups, including adults, the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women, no exceedances of the ADI were found.
As regards acute exposure, only the cypermethrin It exceeded the risk level in children, particularly in the Italian and Spanish populations, where oil consumption is higher. No risk, however, was found for other groups.
This study, conducted by the University of Messina, raises important questions and the need for more stringent monitoring of pesticide residues in extra virgin olive oil, especially to protect younger consumers.
