Pesticide Residues Committee (PRC) 2005 Survey of Pesticide Residues in Grapes - Rapid Reporting for July 2005
Introduction
The PRC has decided to undertake another rapid response survey of grapes in 2005. This follows on from findings in 2004, where grapes were collected every two weeks and reported monthly.
Why are we targeting grapes?
We sampled grapes during 2004 as part of our participation in the coordinated European Community monitoring programme, but also because of findings in 2003.
During 2003 there were several occasions when the UK was notified via the EC’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) of the presence of pesticides at levels significantly above the MRL. These alerts are available at:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/rapidalert/index_en.htm
Residues of the pesticides methamidophos and acephate were found in table grapes from India above acceptable levels. European grapes have also contained levels of methomyl above the permitted Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). We therefore decided to monitor for these pesticides more frequently.
Where are the samples being collected from?
Samples are being collected twice a month by Defra’s Horticultural Marketing Inspectors from a range of points in the supply chain; wholesale markets, retail depots, ports and import points.
Which pesticides are being looked for?
We will test samples for a wide range of pesticides throughout the year. Full reports will be published in December 2005 (Quarter 2) and in June 2006 (Quarter 4). In addition we have arranged for the results of the analysis for 13 pesticides to be published monthly from March onwards. These pesticides are:
- acephate
- azinphos-methyl
- carbendazim
- chlorpyrifos
- dimethoate
- dithiocarbamates
- imazalil
- methamidophos
- methomyl
- monocrotophos
- omethoate
- oxydemeton-methyl
- pirimiphos-methyl
Full details of the reporting levels (RLs) and the MRLs are listed in the table of results.
Results July 2005
12 samples were taken in July. No MRLs were exceeded. Three samples contained a residue:
- One sample imported from Egypt contained a residue of carbendazim at 0.06 mg/kg (MRL 2 mg/kg)
- One sample imported from Israel contained a residue of chlorpyrifos at 0.1 mg/kg (MRL 0.5 mg/kg)
- One sample imported from Egypt contained a residue of dithiocarbamates at 0.08 mg/kg (MRL 2 mg/kg)
- See results table.
Where can I find the previous PRC results?
Grapes were last analysed in 2004. The rapid response results were published monthly. The first half of the results was published in the Q2 report:
www.pesticides.gov.uk/uploadedfiles/Web_Assets/PRC/PRC_2004_Q2_text.pdf
There were 4 MRL exceedances, in 3 samples:
- One sample imported from Egypt contained 2 MRL exceedances; dimethoate at 0.09 mg/kg and omethoate at 0.09 mg/kg
- One sample imported from Chile contained omethoate at 0.05 mg/kg
- Another sample imported from Chile contained methomyl at 0.4 mg/kg
The second half of the results are due to be published in the Q4 report, in June 2005. The results for the rapid response pesticides have already been published monthly.
Grapes were also analysed in 2003. The first half of the results was published in the Q2 report:
www.pesticides.gov.uk/uploadedfiles/Web_Assets/PRC/PRC_2003_Q2_text.pdf
There were 3 MRL exceedances (in 2 samples) in this part of the survey, all in grapes from India.
- One sample contained methomyl at 0.07 mg/kg (MRL 0.05 mg/kg).
- Another sample contained acephate at 0.04 mg/kg (MRL 0.02 mg/kg) and methomyl at 0.07 mg/kg (MRL 0.05mg/kg).
The final part of the 2003 survey was published in the fourth quarter report:
www.pesticides.gov.uk/uploadedfiles/Web_Assets/PRC/PRC_2003_Q4_text.pdf
There were 2 MRL exceedances in this part of the survey, both in grapes from Greece.
- Two samples contained methomyl at 0.07 and 0.2 mg/kg (LOD MRL 0.05 mg/kg)
Is there a risk to consumers from these residues?
Risk assessments showed that adverse health effects were unlikely, although in some cases, the safety factors were eroded. Rapid alert notifications were issued for all 3 samples in quarter 2 of 2004 with MRL exceedances.
PSD has contacted the exporting authorities to inform them of the results. This follow-up survey will provide some information as to whether such exceedances are still occurring.
Future Reporting
New reports will be added to the web every month. If levels of pesticide are found which exceed the MRL, PSD will contact the supplier promptly. The supplier will be asked for their comments on the residues found. The supplier can ask that their comments are published alongside the results.
How can I find out when you next add something to the web for this survey?
If you would like us to e-mail you when we add the next report then please contact: PRC@hse.gsi.gov.uk
Note: if you have received an email from us about any PRC results, then you need only contact us if you want your name to be removed.