Pesticide Residues Committee - fourth quarter report 2005

The latest Pesticide Residues Committee's (PRC) quarterly report found that 61.1% of the 1247 samples of 24 different foods tested had no detectable residues, and 36.9% contained levels below the maximum residues level (MRL) – the legally permitted level. 25 of the samples (2%) contained residues above the maximum permitted levels. None of these residues were likely to cause concern for people's health.

This report includes mainly fresh produce, including exotic fruits which contained above average residues, and two organic samples contained conventional pesticide residues. All the chicken, milk and infant formula samples contained no residues.

Dr Ian Brown, chairman of the Committee, said:

“The majority of food sampled does not contain detectable residues or contains residues in accordance with the guidelines. The PRC have looked carefully at all of the exceedances of the MRL and published a full risk assessment. We are satisfied that the majority of the results give us no concern for consumer health.

“The results show 25 samples (2%) contained residues in excess of the maximum permitted levels. This is at the higher end our annual average value range of 1-2%. This is because during quarter four we report the results for more fresh produce and less processed produce. We have also targeted produce that is likely to contain pesticide residues.

“We have looked carefully at each of the exceedances and in all but one case the presence of these residues was unlikely to have resulted in any adverse health effects for consumers. The majority of these ‘exceedances' are exceedances of MRLs set at the lowest level which can be routinely tested for because producers have not supplied information to set a higher level.

“The risk assessment for one grape sample containing monocrotophos is also provided in full and indicates that the possibility of reversible effects in sensitive individual should be noted. The PRC will be targeting grapes in 2006 to check whether these residues reoccur this season.

“We include organic samples as part of our survey because this food is part of people's diets. We found residues of conventional pesticides in two samples labelled as organic: garlic from Spain and turnips from France. None of these residues were likely to cause concern for people's health.

“We have asked suppliers and the authorities in exporting countries for an explanation of our findings.

“The results should reassure consumers that the food they eat continues to be safe. It is important to stress that the positive effects of eating fresh fruit and vegetables as part of a balanced healthy diet far outweigh any concern 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 £2.2 million food and drink monitoring programme which takes place each year, and cover testing from October to December 2005.

The MRL, or maximum residue level, 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: www.pesticides.gov.uk/uploadedfiles/Web_Assets/PRC/Report%20q4%20final%2019%20June.pdf

Notes to editors

• Dr Ian Brown ( OBE BSc (Agric) FRCP FFOM ) is consultant occupational physician and toxicologist at Southampton University Hospitals.

• 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.

• The committee tests samples from a range of goods from retailers, wholesalers, packers, farmers, ports and processors every year as part of an on-going monitoring programme.

• It oversees a programme to monitor the UK food and drink supply for pesticides residues. The purpose of the programme is to:
  1. Back up 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.
  3. To check that human dietary intakes of residues are within acceptable levels

• Find out more about the PRC and its work via its website: www.prc-uk.org.

• The PRC has also produced a leaflet about the monitoring programme which can be obtained free of charge by telephoning 01904 455980 or by writing to: Room 308, Mallard House, Kings Pool, 3 Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PX.

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