National School Fruit Scheme - results of fruit testing: summer 2003

Summary

This report contains detailed results of the Department of Health (DH) testing of apples, pears, bananas and soft citrus from samples destined for the NSFS studies from May to July 2003.

The results are discussed in detail in the report that follows. The main conclusions that can be drawn from these results are as follows:

1. Two samples of apples contained residues of dicofol at 2mg/kg which exceeded the Maximum Residue Level (MRL) of 0.02 mg/kg.

2. There were no UK non-approved uses.

3. No particular supplier’s fruit was found to contain more frequent, or higher residues than any of the others.

In terms of pesticide residues profiles, the fruit supplied to the schools appears similar to those analysed in recent Pesticide Residues Committee surveys of fruit, purchased from a variety of retail outlets throughout the UK.

Results

Apples (Table 1)

A total of 15 samples of apples were tested for 61 different pesticides. 15 (100%) of the samples were imported. 9 (60%) contained residues. The most common residue was dithiocarbamate. Multiple residues (up to a maximum of 4) were found in 6 of the samples. 2 of the samples contained residues of dicofol at 0.2 mg/kg which exceeded the MRL of 0.02mg/kg. None of the other residues found exceeded their MRLs. None of the samples was known to be organic. None of the residues found was at a level that would give rise to concern for consumer health generally, and specifically not of concern for children’s health.

Pears (Table 2)

A total of 14 samples of pears were tested for 62 different pesticides. 1 (7%) was of UK origin and 13 (93%) were imported. All of the samples contained residues. The most common residue was tolylfluanid. Multiple residues (up to a maximum of 5) were found in 11 of the samples. None of the samples was known to be organic. None of the residues found exceeded their MRLs. There were no non-approved UK uses. None of the residues found was at a level that would give rise to concern for consumer health generally, and specifically not of concern for children’s health.

Bananas (Table 3)

A total of 14 samples of bananas were tested for 60 different pesticides. All samples were from imported bananas, and none was of unknown origin. 12 of the 14 samples (86%) contained residues. The most common residue was imazalil. Multiple residues (up to a maximum of 3) were found in 7 of the samples. None of the residues found exceeded their MRLs. None of the samples was known to be organic. None of the residues found was at a level that would give rise to concern for consumer health generally, and specifically not of concern for children’s health.

Soft citrus (Table 4)

A total of 13 samples of easy-peel citrus (satsumas and clementines) were tested for 61 different pesticides. All the samples were imported and all contained residues. The most common residues were imazalil and 2,4-D. Multiple residues (up to a maximum of 4 residues) were found in all of the samples. None of the residues found exceeded their MRLs. None of the samples was known to be organic. None of the residues found was at a level that would give rise to concern for consumer health generally, and specifically not of concern for children’s health

Conclusion

From the pear, banana and soft citrus testing results detailed in this report, there were no MRL exceedances or non-approved UK uses.

Two samples of apples contained residues that exceeded their MRLs.

None of the residues found in the testing would give rise to concern for consumer health generally, and specifically for children’s health.

For more information about the National School Fruit Scheme visit www.doh.gov.uk/fiveaday/schoolfruit.htm or contact Paul Marshall at the Department of Health on 020 7972 1398.

Brand name information

Brand name annex for all commodities

Appendix 1

Written comments from notified brand owners