Pesticide Residues Committee publishes fourth quarter 2007 report

E032:08 19 June 2008

The final Pesticide Residues Committee (PRC) quarterly report for 2007, published today, found that 955 out of 1583 samples of 25 different foods tested had no detectable residues, and 600 samples contained levels below the maximum residue level (MRL) - the legally permitted level. 28 samples contained residues above the maximum permitted levels but none of these residues were likely to cause concern for people's health. No residues were detected in any samples of milk, pork, turkey, water or cider and perry.

Dr Ian Brown, chairman of the Committee, said:

"The majority of food sampled either does not contain detectable residues or where residues are found they are in accordance with legal limits. The Committee has looked carefully at all of the residues above the MRL. We are satisfied that all the results are unlikely to be of concern for consumer health.

"The results show 28 samples (1.8%) contained residues in excess of the legal levels. We have looked carefully at the findings and concluded that in all cases the residues found were unlikely to have resulted in any health effects for consumers.

"These results should reassure consumers that the food they eat continues to be safe. I can understand that some people have concerns about pesticide residues in their food, but as a doctor I cannot overemphasise the importance of continuing to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Scientific evidence shows that the health benefits far outweigh any concerns about pesticide residues."

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 million food and drink monitoring programme which takes place each year, and cover testing up to December 2007.

The MRL 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=2223

Notes to editors

1. Dr Ian Brown OBE BSc (Agric) FRCP FFOM is consultant occupational physician and toxicologist at Southampton University Hospitals.
2. 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. More information about the PRC and its work is available via its website: www.pesticides.gov.uk/prc_home.asp
3. The Committee oversees a programme to monitor the UK food and drink supply for pesticides residues. It tests samples from a range of foods from retailers, wholesalers, packers, farmers, ports and processors every year. The purpose of the programme is to:
   • Back up the statutory approvals process for pesticides by checking that no unexpected residues are occurring;
   • To check that residues do not exceed statutory maximum residue levels; and
   • To check that human dietary intakes of residues are within acceptable levels.
4. The PRC is interested in feedback on their quarterly reports and welcomes contact from readers about the content and style. A feedback sheet is provided at the end of the report.
5. The Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) transferred from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to the Health and Safety Executive on 1 April 2008.

Press enquiries

All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the HSE Press Office