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Pesticide residues in foodFriday 10 March 2006 12:01Department for Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (National) PESTICIDE RESIDUES COMMITTEE - THIRD QUARTER REPORT 2005 The latest results from the Pesticide Residues Committee's (PRC) testing in food were published today. Five imported beans and one imported salad onion were the only samples found to have residues above the legal level. This latest quarterly report found that 79.7% of the 1005 samples of 18 different foods tested had no detectable residues, and 19.7% contained levels below the maximum residues level (MRL) - the legally permitted level. Six of the samples (0.6%) contained residues above the maximum permitted levels. None of these residues caused concern for people's health. Dr Ian Brown, chairman of the Committee, said: "None of the results in this quarter gave me any concern for consumer health. They show that the majority of our food is residue free or contains residues at levels in accordance with guidelines. "The results show six samples (0.6%) contained residues in excess of the maximum permitted levels. This is lower than our annual average value (1%). This is because during quarter three we report the results for less fresh produce and more processed produce. We have looked carefully at each of the exceedances and in every case the presence of these residues would not have resulted in any adverse health effects for consumers. These 'exceedances' are technicalities, arising because MRLs have not been set to reflect legitimate use of pesticides in exporting countries. "The results should reassure consumers that the food they eat continues to be safe. It is important to stress that the positive effects of eating fresh fruit and vegetables as part of a balanced healthy diet far outweigh any concern about pesticide residues. "We have asked suppliers and the authorities in exporting countries for an explanation of our findings." The PRC is an independent body which advises Government, the Food Standards Agency and the Pesticides Safety Directorate. Today's results are part of a £2.2 million food and drink monitoring programme which takes place each year, and cover testing in July to September 2005. The MRL, or maximum residue level, is the maximum concentration of a pesticide residue - expressed as milligrams per kilogram, or parts per million - legally permitted in or on our food and animal feeds. The levels are not safety limits, but are set at levels which protect the consumer. They are primarily a check that good agricultural practice is being followed, and an MRL exceedance does not automatically imply a hazard to health. The full report is available online at http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/prc.asp?id=1813 Notes for editors * Dr Ian Brown (OBE BSc (Agric) FRCP FFOM) is consultant occupational physician and toxicologist at Southampton University Hospitals. * The survey was carried out on behalf of the Pesticide Residues Committee, an independent body which advises Ministers, the Pesticides Safety Directorate and the Food Standards Agency. * The committee tests samples from a range of goods from retailers, wholesalers, packers, farmers, ports and processors every year as part of an on-going monitoring programme. * It oversees a programme to monitor the UK food and drink supply for pesticides residues. The purpose of the programme is to:- 1) Back up statutory approvals process for pesticides by checking that no unexpected residues are occurring. 2) To check that residues do not exceed statutory maximum residue levels. 3) To check that human dietary intakes of residues are within acceptable levels. * Find out more about the PRC and its work via its website: http://www.prc-uk.org * The PRC has also produced a leaflet about the monitoring programme which can be obtained free of charge by telephoning 01904 455980 or by writing to: Room 308, Mallard House, Kings Pool, 3 Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PX. * The PRC are holding an open meeting on 10 May in Bristol. Places are limited and entry is by ticket only. Further details can be obtained from Louise Dearsly, Pesticides Safety Directorate, Consumer Safety and European Policy Branch, Room 308, Mallard House, Kings Pool, 3 Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PX (telephone 01904 455981 or email prc@psd.defra.gsi.gov.uk). Public enquiries 08459 335577; Press notices are available on our website http://www.defra.gov.uk |