Hungarian apples are safe and of excellent quality

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He added that we reject the unfounded and unprofessional claims made regarding the quality of domestic apples, and we will take the strictest action against those who spread untruths and hoaxes. We will not let Brussels-based civil organizations endanger the livelihoods of farmers and those in the sector with unfounded reasons! The Ministry of Agriculture agrees with the position of the FruitVeB Hungarian Vegetable and Fruit Interprofessional Organization and Product Council regarding the report published on the website of the Hungarian Association of Nature Conservators (MTVSZ) on January 29, 2026, prepared by the “Pesticide Action Network Europe” (PAN Europe). The document contains exaggerated and unfounded statements regarding apples that lack objectivity, professionalism and scientific thoroughness, and are also capable of damaging the good reputation of domestic products. The report does not contain information on the exact methodology of sampling, and it is also unclear whether the samples from Hungarian supermarkets actually represent apples grown in Hungary or of foreign origin. It is also objectionable that out of the 59 samples examined, only 5 came from Hungary, which corresponds to approximately 5-10 kilograms of apples, while the annual production of Hungarian table apples is approximately 100 million kilograms. Drawing conclusions regarding the entire domestic apple production based on such a small amount of samples is professionally unfounded and irresponsible. The disproportionate nature of the sampling itself calls into question the objectivity and credibility of the investigation, so the formulation of fear-mongering and manipulative statements regarding Hungarian apples is particularly unacceptable.

Apples are the fruit offered in the largest quantities in the trade and consumed regularly by consumers throughout the year

The use of pesticides is essential for the production of the appropriate quantity and quality – in accordance with market and consumer expectations. In the European Union, including in Hungary, all approved pesticides have a maximum residue limit (MRL), below which consumption does not pose a risk to health. The National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) checks the pesticide residue content of apples with an exceptionally high number of samples as part of the annual monitoring plan, and also regularly carries out technological inspections at producers. Based on the results of the Nébih inspection, no apple samples containing pesticide residues above the limit have occurred in the past three years, so the products placed on the market can be consumed safely. The reports of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for the past three years also do not contain objectionable pesticide residues in apples. After all this, to suggest that national and EU authorities do not comply with the legislation, or to directly claim that they are “initiating the weakening of health protection”, calls into question the credibility of the entire European Union and state legal and institutional system and undermines trust in it.

This communication is an extremely dangerous direction for the lay public on the subject

The use of plant protection technologies is regulated by strict legal regulations, including food health withdrawal periods and permitted residue values, which all producers are obliged to comply with. In all cases, the authority sanctions the production and marketing of plant products containing pesticide residues or toxic substances exceeding the permitted limit, both from a food safety and plant protection perspective. The Ministry of Agriculture continues to stand firmly with Hungarian producers and defends the good reputation of domestic apples and the safety of consumers. Hungarian foods are safe and of high quality. The minister encourages everyone to feel free to consume Hungarian apples, because in this way we are not only supporting the livelihood of farmers, but also the national economy.

AM