German discounter Lidl has reportedly halted purchases of Spanish peppers into its retail network after a consignment of products tested positive for ripening agent Ethephon, a treatment that is not permitted for use in peppers.
According to reports, the retailer has blocked all imports of Spanish peppers after detecting the chemical, which can currently be used for ripening a variety of fruits, but is currently forbidden in peppers.
A leading importer, who wished to remain anonymous, told Fruitnet that Lidl had switched to “100 per cent Israeli peppers” after finding Ethephon in a Spanish consignment and had already “invited shoppers to bring back any peppers” not yet consumed.
As a result of Lidl’s action, the importer said that prices for Israel-grown peppers had risen sharply, while Spanish pepper prices had fallen, adding that the market believed there may be further consequences from the decision.
He said: “There is a question mark of what is going to happen with other retailers. At the moment, it’s only Lidl, today or tomorrow other retailers could follow.”
The importer added that, contrary to some media reports, fellow German retailer Kaufland is not yet believed to have made a similar move.
According to Dutch residue control specialist AgriQ, a number of cases of excessive Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) of Ethephon in Spanish peppers were reported in the Spanish market as early as last December.
Ethephon is not registered for peppers in Spain and the Netherlandswhere there is an MRL, based on the level of detection, of 0.05 mg per kg.
The company said some German retailers have already asked their suppliers to investigate this problem and asked that they control their growers more thoroughly.
