So that cut flowers are not eaten away by pests in the field or in the greenhouses, they are often treated with pesticides for protection. The use of the pesticides is allowed. But what does this mean for consumers who have such flowers in their homes?
There are currently no maximum residue levels for pesticides on cut flowers in the EU. However, according to Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009, there is an obligation to undergo an authorization procedure in which the amount of pesticides the user is exposed to is assessed. For example, exposure is assessed for a florist who works with cut flowers all day.
The BfR has published the statement that there is no risk of pesticide residues on cut flowers. However, it is still recommended that florists in particular: wear gloves when working indoors and adhere to hygiene measures.
Many consumers still want flowers that have little / no pesticide residues and are increasingly buying Fairtrade or organic flowers. Bilacon supports producers and sellers in proving that their flowers have little or no contamination with pesticides, in order to give florists and consumers a good feeling when buying flowers.
Roy Sperling
roy.sperling@tentamus.com
+49 (0) 30 206 038 320
Source: BfR
