We have always considered the apple a symbol of health, but the latest report from Europe turns these perceptions upside down. Research conducted by the "PAN Europe" organization at the end of 2025 shows that inside the apples sold in markets, not just one but several toxic chemical substances—a "pesticide cocktail"—are hidden simultaneously. According to the research, 80% of these apples are toxic.
This is a very serious signal for the Azerbaijani market.
Because our country supports local production and also imports large quantities of apples from abroad, especially during the winter and spring months.
The most shocking part of the report concerns baby foods. If purees or juices were made from these apples, most of them would be declared illegal.
Substances that damage brain cells were found in 36% of the apples. In 61% of the samples, anti-fungal agents that can cause cancer were detected. Many of the substances found slow down brain development of the fetus in the womb.
The bright, long-lasting apples coming from European countries are often subjected to chemical treatments up to 30 times a year.
Medianews.az reports that Məhsəti Hüseynova, head of the Food Safety Movement and a nutrition specialist, told Bizim.Media that apples with a shiny appearance, like other fruits imported from abroad, contain more chemical residues:
"The pesticide risk in these apples is very high. Because various pesticides are used during their cultivation to protect against pests and diseases. These pesticides enter the fruit in certain quantities during the cultivation period. Naturally, the amount of pesticides in the bodies of people consuming such fruits is also high."
Some fruits have a coating of paraffin and wax on their surface.
This coating makes the fruit longer-lasting. It maintains the fruit’s shine during transportation and storage. Note that to keep fruit for a long time, it is picked while still hard and wax or paraffin coatings are used to prevent it from ripening quickly. This coating also reduces the amount of ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening of fruit. As a result, the ripening process is prolonged."
Our interviewee believes that these chemical additives seriously harm human health:
"Such fruits negatively affect the nervous system. Especially in people aged 20-25, they have a negative impact on physiological development. They cause hormonal disorders. Continuous use of shiny fruits damages cells, which increases cancer risk. Fruits contaminated with chemicals cause allergies, stomach pains, and dysfunction of intestinal functions."
Məhsəti Hüseynova considers it essential to pay attention to certain issues to be protected from such unpleasant events:
"First of all, local and seasonal fruits should be used. Shiny fruits should be rubbed and washed in warm water for at least 30-60 seconds. At the same time, peeling the fruit before eating it is one of the most effective methods. Because most of the pesticides remain on the peel."