Positive in the is that all organic Pesto Rosso were pesticide-free; four of them contained no harmful residues at all. In conventional pestos, however, traces of hormonally active Bisphenol A (BPA), possibly carcinogenic mold toxins, and pesticides were detected. Nevertheless, according to AK Upper Austria, there is no immediate health risk.

AK Test Finds Pesticides in Conventional Pesto Rosso

Rather, the testers noticed "significant quality differences" in the products that are on the shelves in the food chains. In four pestos, "relevant amounts of alternaria toxins" were detected. These are produced by molds of the Alternaria genus, which frequently infest tomatoes. BPA traces were found in five conventional products. BPA acts hormonally and can impair fertility and the immune system, according to the consumer protection advocates in the release on Wednesday.

In all conventional pestos, except for one product, pesticide residues were also found. Although pesticides are not acutely toxic in the low concentration found, little is known about the interactions of residues from more than one pesticide. Additionally, traces of the "particularly concerning" fungicide dimethomorph and the insecticide chlorantraniliprole, which is toxic to aquatic organisms, were found in one pesto each, according to AK OÖ. The AK test is available on the .

(APA/Red)

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