It’s sweet, juicy, and found in almost every Kiwi fruit bowl — but now, one of New Zealand’s most popular fruits has just been ranked number one for pesticide residue in a recent round of testing.
And while it’s still considered safe to eat, experts are urging consumers to wash thoroughly, peel when possible, and think twice before buying non-organic.
Because the numbers don’t lie — this fruit consistently showed more traces of multiple chemicals than any other on New Zealand shelves.
The fruit in question?
Yes — apples, the lunchtime staple and lunchbox regular, have topped the latest monitoring data for combined pesticide residue levels, ahead of grapes, strawberries, and nectarines.
“Apples often require multiple chemical sprays during a single growing season — for pests, fungi, and storage quality,” says a former orchard inspector in Hawke’s Bay.
“Even after washing, traces can remain on the skin. It doesn’t mean the fruit is dangerous — but the buildup over time is worth thinking about.”
Multiple residues, multiple concerns
In recent tests carried out across supermarket samples and produce stands, apples were found to contain:
- Residues from up to 6 different pesticides per sample
- Traces of chemicals not registered for use in organic farming
- Some samples exceeding international guidelines, although still within NZ’s legal limits
The issue isn’t just how much pesticide is used — it’s how many different types end up on the same fruit.
“The cocktail effect is real,” says a toxicologist who reviewed the data.
“Individually, each residue may be within a safe threshold. But combined? That’s where the science is still catching up.”
Is organic better?
In blind comparisons, organic apples showed negligible or no detectable residues. But they also came at a price — often double or triple the cost of conventional fruit.
For those who can’t afford the organic option, experts recommend:
- Washing apples under warm running water for 30+ seconds
- Peeling the skin when possible
- Choosing locally grown or spray-free certified fruit where available
- Avoiding imported apples with unclear labelling
Should you stop eating apples?
Not at all. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) maintains that all food sold in NZ must meet strict safety standards, and no recalls have been issued.
But as more consumers demand transparency and chemical-free options, the spotlight is now on growers — and whether changes are coming.
“We’ve always thought of apples as the safe choice,” says one mum from Tauranga.
“Now I’m not so sure. I just want to know what I’m feeding my kids.”
For now, the apple remains one of New Zealand’s best-loved fruits — but what’s on the surface may matter more than ever.
