Citation
(2010), "Pesticide residue", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 40 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2010.01740dab.024
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Pesticide residue
Article Type: Food facts From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 40, Issue 4.
The Pesticide Residues Committee published its third quarterly report for samples collected 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 656 out of 911 samples of 14 different foods tested had no detectable residues. Also, 248 samples contained levels below the maximum residue level – the legally permitted amount. “The results show 7 samples (0.8 per cent of samples covered by the report) contained residues above the legal levels”.
The MRL is the maximum concentration of a pesticide residue – expressed as milligrams per kilogram, or parts per million – legally permitted in or on food and animal feeds. The levels are not safety limits, but are set at levels to protect the consumer. The full report is at: www.pesticides.gov.uk/prc.asp?id2791