Predicted effect of EC harmonised regime on results for pesticide residues in food
19 June 2008
Statement by Dr Ian Brown, PRC Chairman
2009 will represent the first full year of monitoring under the new EC regime for Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) which comes into effect in September this year.
This new harmonised regime will set common trading standards throughout Europe which will benefit consumers, retailers and growers. However, it seems likely to lead to an apparent increase in the incidence of pesticide residues in food.
The new regime includes a default MRL (0.01 mg/kg) which applies to all pesticide/commodity combinations where no substantive level has been set. This is an extremely low level and is below the level that we have routinely used in PRC monitoring (0.02 mg/kg). We will be lowering our reporting level to match the new default MRL and this seems bound to result in the detection of residues in more samples. Additionally the introduction of large numbers of new MRLs may lead to a temporary increase in the number of MRLs exceedances particularly in produce imported from outside the Community.
We will be saying more about the new MRLs regime and its implications for monitoring in our next annual report but I wanted to take this early opportunity to point out these likely developments. I am conscious of the sensitivities that can surround pesticide residues and am anxious to avoid any scares around 'increases' in residues which arise from regulatory rather than real-world changes.
My message to consumers has always been and remains that the health benefits of eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day far outweigh any concerns about pesticide residues.