Background on the Situation
The European Union (EU) has rejected six shipments of Peruvian Hass avocados due to excessive levels of cadmium, a toxic metal. The EU’s decision comes after detecting that the shipments surpassed the maximum limit of 0.05 mg/kg for this heavy metal, raising international concern.
Previous Incidents and Current Impact
This is not the first time the EU has taken such action; in March, they previously banned a container for violating sanitary regulations. The current situation has significant implications, as Peruvian avocado exports exceeded 917 million dollars in the first half of 2025, with the Netherlands being the primary market, accounting for 33.5% (308 million dollars) of the orders.
Government and Industry Response
In response to the EU’s decision, Peru’s Ministry of Agriculture established a working group to address the issue. Meanwhile, the Association of Hass Avocado Producers (ProHass) announced a national mapping initiative to implement corrective measures.
Bolivia has also taken notice, with the country’s Vice Minister of Rural and Agricultural Development, Álvaro Mollinedo, initiating an investigation into high cadmium content. In Chile, the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) and health authorities are reinforcing controls at ports and border crossings to ensure safer internal distribution.
Chilean Perspective
According to Chile’s Department of Nutrition and Food at the Ministry of Health, led by Cristian Cofré, import surveillance for potentially domestically-destined foods has been strengthened. By the end of July, Chile had received over 2,100 containers of Peruvian avocados, accounting for 8.27% of the total exported during week 31. An additional 8,000 metric tons are expected to arrive this year.
Chilean trade groups, although not directly involved, are closely monitoring the Peruvian situation and its impact on the industry. In the first seven months of 2025, Chile imported 60.5 million dollars worth of Peruvian avocados (CIF).
Cadmium Toxicity and Health Concerns
Cadmium is a toxic metal classified as cancer-causing by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). As of late July, over 25,800 containers of Peruvian avocados had been shipped, with nearly 60% destined for Europe.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the issue? The European Union has rejected Peruvian avocado shipments due to high cadmium levels, exceeding the maximum limit of 0.05 mg/kg.
- Why is cadmium a concern? Cadmium is a toxic metal classified as cancer-causing by the WHO and IARC.
- What actions have been taken by Peru? The Peruvian government formed a working group and the ProHass announced a national mapping initiative to implement corrective measures.
- How is Chile responding? Chilean authorities are reinforcing controls at ports and border crossings to ensure safer internal distribution of avocados.
- What is the financial impact? Peruvian avocado exports exceeded 917 million dollars in the first half of 2025, with the Netherlands being the primary market.
