PAN Europe orchestrates independent food testing initiatives designed to inform consumers which supermarkets sell foods with the lowest levels of pesticides. This project aims to celebrate those retailers working successfully with their suppliers to reduce dietary exposure to pesticides, while demanding tougher action from supermarkets yet to act.

In November 2008, PAN Europe joined with Greenpeace (Germany), MDRGF (France), Milieudefensie (Netherlands), Legambiente (Italy) and Levego (Hungary) in testing grapes sold by 18 leading supermarkets and food wholesalers across five EU countries.

The results showed substantial differences in the performance of leading European supermarkets - as well as widespread pesticide contamination in grapes. We are now working with our network partners to engage retailers in making commitments towards higher standards on pesticides.

Dutch supermarket will let their customers immediately know when they are ranked Nr. 1 by PAN-members Natuur en Milieu and Milieudefensie.

Further information

• Pesticides in grapes: unsafe, illegal and unauthorised Press
    Release (24 November 2008)
• Highest ever levels of pesticides in foods Press Release (15
    October 2008)
• Supermarkets Fact sheet (28 August 2008)