Rewe has significantly reduced pesticide contamination levels in the fruit and vegetables on sale in its stores. Germany’s second largest food retailer has halved the level of pesticide residues in its fresh produce since 2007. Tests were carried out on 7,200 samples of more than 100 fruit and vegetable products from 60 countries of origin. Rewe says the risk to consumers is estimated to be just 12 per cent of what it previously was recorded at.
The move followed criticism from Greenpeace and other environmental organisations in Rewe’s operation. Since the negative comments were made by the groups, the grocer completed the extensive evaluation of its product ranges in line with the Austria-based organisation Global 2000. (30 Sept)
© ESM: European Supermarket Magazine
