Poisoned Italian grapes: what is acetamiprid, the bee killer pesticide that we bring to the table with fruit

Acetamiprid, an insecticide widely used in agriculture, has been detected in numerous samples of table grapes. Although considered less toxic than other neonicotinoids, acetamiprid is accused of contributing to bee deaths. And it is still authorized in the EU and admitted into the Italian quality specifications…

We find it very easily in the fruit stand all year round now, but how safe are the grapes we bring to the table (especially those out of season)? Up to 19 pesticide residues in a single sample, especially acetamiprid.

This is what emerges from a new survey byStuttgart Veterinary Chemical Control Agencywhich he analyzed 64 samples of table grapeshighlighting a worrying presence of acetamiprid, as well as other pesticides.

Among the 18 samples of Italian origin, some contained up to 19 different pesticide residues in a single samplea sign of intensive use of chemical treatments. This raises, once again, questions about both food safety and the environmental impact of the excessive use of pesticides.

The study

Between January and October 2024, the scholars examined 64 samples, of which 61 came from conventional agriculture and three organic, in search of residues of over 750 pesticides and contaminants.

Among these, 18 conventional and one biological samples (almost 30% of the total) came from Italyfollowed by South Africa (12) and Türkiye (10).

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The results showed that table grapes of non-EU origin have on average more pesticides than European ones: with 1.9 mg/kg, the average level of residues for table grapes from third countries is significantly higher than that of table grapes from EU Member States (0.57 mg/kg).

Furthermore, in all conventional samples, not only were pesticides present, but each sample also contained residues of multiple substances, even up to eight active ingredients, with a maximum of 19 in a single product. And the cause of all this is simple to understand: the production of table grapes often requires the use of fungicides and insecticides, because the vines are particularly sensitive to attacks by fungi, such as powdery mildew and downy mildew, and parasitesincluding moth and leafhoppers. Among the most frequently identified pesticides is phosphonic acid, in 82% of samples (50) with levels up to 36.4 mg/kg. In organically grown grapes, however, there would be no residues.

Acetamiprid, the effects on bees

THE’acetamiprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide widely used in agriculture, starting from the cultivation of table grapes, for the control of aphids, thrips and other harmful insects. However, its use is controversial due to potential negative effects on pollinators, particularly bees, and implications for human health.

THE neonicotinoidsincluding acetamiprid, are in fact known for their action neurotoxic on insects. Although acetamiprid is considered less harmful than other neonicotinoids such as imidaclopridclothianidin and thiamethoxam (already banned in the EU for outdoor use), studies suggest that it may still have negative effects on bee health, interfering with orientation and foraging behaviour.

Acetamiprid is considered less toxic to humans than other pesticides of the same class, and has a maximum residue limit (MRL) set by EU legislation. However, the contemporary presence of multiple pesticides on a single grape sample raises questions about the possible synergistic action of these chemical substances, an aspect that is still little studied.

Regulation in Europe, towards stricter restrictions, but what about Italy?

At the moment Acetamiprid is authorized in Europebut several countries are considering tougher restrictions. For example: