Tunisian Ministry of Health Reassures Consumers on Strawberry Safety Amidst Pesticide Rumors

The Tunisian Ministry of Health, through the National Institute of Food Safety (INSSA), has moved swiftly to allay consumer concerns regarding the safety of strawberries currently on the market. Reports circulating on digital platforms alleged excessive pesticide residues, exceeding authorized levels. The INSSA has unequivocally labeled these claims as false, emphasizing that they lack any official backing and do not reflect the reality of the stringent sanitary controls implemented nationwide.

Our national food safety surveillance program operates under a strict and regular protocol, meticulously covering the entire supply chain from agricultural production to final points of sale. This scientifically based, risk-assessment approach ensures that all products are thoroughly vetted. Representative samples are systematically collected and subjected to high-precision laboratory analyses, designed to detect over 520 active substances, both permitted and prohibited.

Recent comprehensive testing, involving around 400 analyses—with 20 specifically focused on strawberry samples—has yielded results that are entirely compliant with current national and international standards. These findings definitively confirm that the strawberries available to Tunisian consumers are safe and pose no health risks. While the INSSA maintains constant vigilance and applies strict legal measures, including product seizure and destruction, for any isolated non-compliance, the current situation demonstrates the robust safety of our produce. Consumers are urged to rely solely on official communications for accurate information regarding food safety.