Melons sold at Lidl and Aldi recalled over pesticide levels

Sunday 14 June 2026 - 13:58

French food safety authorities have issued a recall for several batches of melons sold in major supermarket chains Lidl and Aldi after tests revealed excessive pesticide residues. The alert comes at a time when fresh fruit consumption is rising due to high summer temperatures across the country.

According to official consumer safety platforms, the recall involves Charentais melons distributed in selected Lidl stores between June 4 and June 10. Only specific outlets located in several French departments are affected, including regions such as the Aude, Gironde, Hérault, and Pyrénées-Orientales. The products can be identified by multiple batch numbers listed in the recall notice.

A separate recall concerns Galia melons sold in Aldi supermarkets across France between June 1 and June 11. These products also belong to identified batches flagged by authorities for safety concerns.

Health inspectors confirmed that the reason for the recall is a “non-compliance with maximum pesticide residue limits.” The substance detected above permitted levels is flonicamide, an insecticide commonly used in agriculture to control aphids.

Authorities are advising consumers not to eat the affected melons. Customers who purchased these products are encouraged to either dispose of them safely or return them to the point of sale for a full refund. The recall procedures remain active until late June, depending on the specific product batches.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about pesticide regulation in fresh produce and reinforces the importance of strict food safety monitoring within the European retail supply chain.