In 2013 there were one sample of strawberries and three samples of peaches that tests showed to have high levels of pesticide residue.

Answering parliamentary questions by opposition MP Paula Mifsud Bonnici, Consumer Affairs Minister Helena Dalli said legal action had been taken against all the farmers involved. The strawberry farmer had admitted his guilt before the Magistrates Court, while legal procedures in the three peach cases were still ongoing.

Dr Dalli said there was usually a lapse of two to three weeks between the harvesting of sampled fruits and vegetables and the results being made known.

An officer of the Market Surveillance Directorate took samples to the laboratory on direct flights, during which the samples were kept frozen.

The costs for the tests in 2013 had amounted to €18,650.

Malta has no laboratory accredited to analyse pesticide residue.