Free school fruit contains multiple pesticides, UK report shows

Government experts say adverse health effects are unlikely, but campaigners argue the primary school scheme should switch to organic as a precaution

The free fruit and vegetables provided by the government to millions of young schoolchildren usually contain the residues of multiple pesticides, according to official tests collated in a new report.

In the last decade, residues of of 123 pesticides were found, while apples and bananas given out recently in schools contained more residues than those sold in supermarkets.