Is our food safe?
We are responsible for 'approving' new pesticides (giving them a government license). We must also protect the health of consumers, users and the environment. We expect that the use of approved pesticides will lead to small amounts of pesticides (residues) on food. Residues are also likely to end up in the environment and in drinking water. When we approve a pesticide we give it conditions of use which are written on the label. These conditions make sure that any pesticide residues in food will be below levels which could cause harm. We also set legal limits on residues in food: these are called maximum residue levels (MRLs).
What is a Maximum Residue Level (MRL)?
Maximum Residue Level (MRLs) are legal limits on pesticide residues in food. They are the maximum residue levels likely to be left in food after it has been treated with a pesticide. They assume that the user:
- used the pesticide according to its label conditions; and
- followed 'Good Agricultural Practice' (GAP)
MRLs provide a check that GAP is being followed and help international trade.
Are Maximum Residue Levels safety levels?
Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) are not safety limits: they are set below safety limits. If pesticide residues are found above an MRL, it shows that the user did not:
- use the pesticide according to its label conditions; or
- follow 'Good Agricultural Practice' (GAP)
What are the different types of Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs)
There are two types of MRLs:
- EC MRLs
- Codex Almentarius Commission (Codex) MRLs
