UK Pesticide Residues Committee (PRC) Annual Report For 2001

Tuesday 30 November 1999

The Report , published by DEFRA, summarises the results of tests on 4003 samples for the presence of pesticide residues. Almost half (1963) of the samples tested were fruit and vegetables, followed by animal products (867 samples) and cereals and their products (551 samples). The remainder were in the 'miscellaneous' category and included items such as pizzas, tea and potato crisps.

On a positive note, 99% of the samples tested were found to be either free of any detectable pesticide residues or, where residues were found, these were at levels below the maximum residue limits (MRL).

Categories where detectable residues were present included potato crisps (45%, mostly chlorpropham sprouting suppressant), cereal bars (68%, chlormequat, glyphosate, phosphine, pirimiphos methyl and iprodione) and breakfast cereals (29%, chlormequat, glyphosate, phosphine, pirimiphos methyl).

The Report also gives details of data submitted by industry and then goes on to detail the examples where the MRLs were exceeded or non-approved pesticides were detected in products tested.

The Report comments that "The PRC is encouraged to see that a few major supermarkets have started to publish their own residue testing". Criticism has however been made (by Friends of the Earth) that the UK's level of testing (per 100 000 of the population) is the lowest in the EU.

Eclipse already undertake year-round monitoring programmes for some retail chains - if you would like to talk to us about setting up something similar (even on a smaller scale) look at the range of services available from Eclipse's Pesticide laboratory. Then contact us at sales@eclipsescientific.co.uk for an informal discussion of your requirements.