Toxic Tyre Chemicals Found in Swiss Produce

EPFL study reveals concerning presence of tyre additives in Swiss fruits and vegetables, raising questions about food safety and environmental impact.

Key Takeaways

31% of Swiss fruit and vegetable samples contain traces of tyre rubber additives.
Contamination levels are consistent across both conventional and organic produce.
Specific chemicals detected include 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone.
Rodent studies link these additives to reduced fertility and neurotoxic effects.

By The Numbers

31%

Contamination Rate

100

Sample Size

2025

Publication Year

They Said

"We don’t know how these molecules are metabolised by the human body, so we need to take an interest in them, because we are all exposed to them."
— Florian Breider

"As the diet is broadly the same throughout western Europe, we can imagine that these figures are representative of exposure to these particles in neighbouring countries."
— Florian Breider

Infiltrating the Food Chain

The Myth of the Organic Shield

Uncharted Health Risks

From Asphalt to Agriculture

Sources & References

Toxic chemicals from car tyres found in fruit and vegetables in Switzerland

SWI swissinfo.ch