Of the 72 samples tested, 19 were found to be above the prescribed safety limits, with most of the affected produce traced to markets in and around Bengaluru, as per reports
Revealing heavy metal contamination and excessive pesticide residues in vegetables sold across Bengaluru and its surrounding farming regions, a study by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has raised food safety concerns.
An investigation covering agricultural fields in Nelamangala, Kolar and Chikkaballapur, along with retail points such as Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) markets and Horticultural Producers’ Cooperative Marketing and Processing Society (HOPCOMS) outlets, formed the basis of the report.
Samples collected in February and September 2025 revealed concerning levels of lead contamination in vegetables. Of the 72 samples tested, 19 were found to be above the prescribed safety limits, with most of the affected produce traced to markets in and around Bengaluru.
While most soil samples remained within permissible limits, the committee noted that lead concentrations in soils from Kolar and Chikkaballapur were significantly higher than those recorded in Nelamangala. The reports pointed out the widespread misuse of pesticides. Residue analysis detected 18 different pesticides in vegetable samples, with 12 exceeding the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011. Among the produce tested, capsicum, chilli bajji, cucumber and ginger emerged as the most high-risk vegetables due to elevated contamination levels.
Reports added that groundwater contained traces of iron and manganese. However, these were within permissible drinking water limits. Air quality monitoring conducted in Soppahalli and Thurandahalli recorded particulate matter (PM10) levels ranging from 26.5 to 34.6 milligrams per cubic metre of air, along with trace quantities of copper, nickel and lead.
The board has sought immediate action to address the issue. The reports highlighted that the committee recommended a joint probe by the department of agriculture and the food safety and standards authority of India (FSSAI) to figure out the main cause of the lead contamination.
