The strawberry harvest is in full swing. According to the State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL), the sweet fruits can be “savored with confidence”. Strawberries are regularly checked for contamination with pesticides, the authority said on Monday.
In the past three years, 145 samples have been examined for around 500 active substances. In only one case was an approved maximum value exceeded and in one case an active ingredient that was not approved in Germany was found. However, the two conspicuous samples did not pose a health risk. According to the LGL, the samples are taken from domestic goods and also from imported products, including products from countries outside the EU.
For the correct storage of strawberries, the LGL stated that they can be stored in the refrigerator for two to three days. They should only be rinsed briefly under running, cold water and the calyxes should only be removed afterwards. Moldy strawberries should be discarded. Removing the affected areas is not enough.