First 2009 pesticide residue figures released

Date:

24 September 2009

Release No:

E083:09

The Pesticide Residues Committee today published findings from its first quarterly report in 2009.

The report found that the majority of foods had no detectable residues and those that did contain pesticides were not likely to be harmful to health. Tests found that 392 out of 570 samples of 16 different foods tested had no detectable residues. Also, 164 samples contained levels below the maximum residue level (MRL) - the legally permitted amount.

Chairman of the committee Dr Ian Brown 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 and we are satisfied that all the results are unlikely to be of concern for consumer health."

"The results show 15 incidences in 14 samples (2.6%) 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 over-emphasise 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 Pesticide Residues Committee is an independent body which advises the Government, the Food Standards Agency and the Chemicals Regulation Directorate.

Today''s results are part of a £2 million food and drink monitoring programme which takes place each year. The results cover a testing period up to April 2009.

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=2791

Notes to editors

1. Dr Ian Brown OBE BSc (Agric) FRCP FFOM is Director of Occupational Health at the University of Oxford and Honorary Consultant Physician in Occupational Medicine to Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust Department of Public Health
2. The survey was carried out on behalf of the Pesticide Residues Committee, an independent body that advises Ministers, the Chemical Regulation Directorate and the Food Standards Agency. More information about the Pesticide Residues Committee and its work is available via its website: www.pesticides.gov.uk
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:
   1. Back up the statutory approvals process for pesticides by checking that no unexpected residues are occurring;
   2. To check that residues do not exceed statutory maximum residue levels; and
   3. To check that human dietary intakes of residues are within acceptable
4. The Pesticide Residues Committee is interested in feedback on their quarterly reports and welcome contact from readers about the content and style.
5. The next PRC meeting on 21 October 2008, to be held in York and will be open to observers (although numbers are limited by the space available). If you would like to attend then register your interest with the secretariat (contact details above).

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