Discount retailer Lidl UK has moved to calm fears that the discovery of plant growth regulator Ethephon on capsicum from Spain - destined for sale at Lidl Group stores in continental Europe - could lead to a product recall in the UK.
Concerns have grown this week that UK stores could be left bare but a spokeswoman told freshinfo: “Lidl regularly analyses fruit and vegetables for pesticide residues. The result of a routine Lidl Group fruit and vegetable analysis showed higher residue levels of Ethephon in Lidl Spanish Pepper Mix.
“On the basis of the result of this analysis, Lidl Group issued a recall for the product to be removed from sale immediately on 15 January. The recall and removal from sale was exclusively issued to the affected parts of Germany, France, and parts of Poland. Pepper products sold at Lidl UK are not affected.”
Ethephon is permitted for use on tomato crops by the EU, but not for capsicum. Nigel Jenney, ceo of the Fresh Produce Consortium, was quick to point out to the UK industry the need for vigilance. “At the FPC, we produce a good practice guide on the use and management of inputs to help avoid these sort of cases,” said Jenney. “It is just possible that the product has been used by mistake or been caused by spray drift, but this sort of issue has got to stop. If growers are not careful, then they will undermine the good name of their industry among consumers.”
Four years ago, use of illegal soil pesticide methyl-isofenphos put Almería pepper growers in the spotlight and forced many to destroy their crops as the market shunned their produce.
