Summary

The Federal Office of Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (BLV) warns of pesticide residues in the product "Riso Superfino Basmati" by Primefood S.A., which was sold at Denner. The active ingredient chlorpyrifos was detected in official inspections and can promote cancer formation. Denner has immediately removed the product from sale and initiated a recall. Consumers should not consume the affected product.

Persons

  • Federal Office of Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (BLV)

Topics

  • Food safety
  • Pesticide residues
  • Product recall
  • Consumer protection

Clarus Lead

The Federal Office of Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (BLV) has issued a public warning for basmati rice of the brand Risi Pregiati (packaging size 5 kg). Residues of the plant protection product chlorpyrifos were detected in the product sold at Denner. The active ingredient is considered potentially carcinogenic and poses a health risk. The retailer has immediately removed the product from shelves and initiated a recall.

Detailed Summary

The contamination was discovered during an official food inspection. The affected product originates from Primefood S.A. and was distributed exclusively through the retail chain Denner. The Federal Office could not rule out a potential health hazard from the pesticide residues and urgently recommends consumers not to consume the product.

Four specific batches with different best-before dates (MHD) are affected: L78A 2401 (MHD 01.24.2027), L78A 2601 (MHD 01.26.2027), L78B 2801 (MHD 01.28.2027), and L78B 3001 (MHD 01.30.2027). Purchasers who have acquired one of these batches should not use the product and can return it to the point of sale. Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide used in agriculture for pest control and poses health risks when permitted residue levels are exceeded.

Key Statements

  • Contaminated Product: Riso Superfino Basmati (5 kg) by Risi Pregiati/Primefood S.A. at Denner
  • Harmful Active Ingredient: Chlorpyrifos detected with potential carcinogenic effect
  • Immediate Measures: Product removed from trade; recall initiated
  • Affected Batches: Four lots with different MHD between January and March 2027
  • Action Recommendation: Consumption of the product is not recommended; return is possible

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence/Data Quality: What concentration of chlorpyrifos was measured, and did it exceed the permitted EU maximum residue levels for rice?

  2. Source Validity: Were the analysis results confirmed by independent laboratories, or is the warning based on a single official inspection?

  3. Conflicts of Interest: How frequently does the BLV conduct inspections at Denner, and is there evidence of systematic surveillance gaps for imported rice?

  4. Causality: Can the BLV trace at which production stage (cultivation, processing, transport) the contamination occurred?

  5. Alternatives: Are other basmati rice products or batches of the same brand also affected, or is the contamination limited to these four lots?

  6. Recall Implementation: How is it ensured that all consumers are reached, and what deadline applies for returns?

  7. Side Effects: Have any health damages been reported by consumers who consumed the product?

  8. Regulatory Gaps: Why was the contamination only discovered during official inspection and not during import or intermediary inspection?

Source Directory

Primary Source: Public Warning: Pesticide Residues in Rice – Federal Office of Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (BLV) https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/rwHjwUWLDkCriv1sWsECD

Verification Status: ✓ February 13, 2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: February 13, 2026