|
|
|
|
 |
Author |
|
| Message | |
|
Behemoth
Joined: 01 Dec 2004
Posts: 19023
Location: Leeds
|
 Posted: Mon Dec 19, 05 12:53 pm Post subject: Pesticide Residues C'tee report |
 
|
PESTICIDE RESIDUES COMMITTEE – SECOND QUARTER REPORT 2005
The latest results from the Pesticide Residues Committee’s (PRC), programme of pesticide residue testing in food were published today.
Tests were carried out on 1101 samples of 19 different foods. This latest quarterly report found that 56% of samples tested had no detectable residues, and 41.6% contained levels below the maximum residues level (MRL) – the legally permitted level.
26 samples (2.4%) contained residues above the maximum permitted levels. None of the residues above the limits caused concern for people’s health.
Dr Ian Brown, chairman of the Committee, said:
“None of the results in this quarter gave me any concern for consumer health. They show that the majority of our food is residue free or contains residues at levels in accordance with guidelines.
“The results show 26 samples (2.4%) contained residues in excess of the maximum permitted levels. This is a slightly higher proportion than we have found recently. We have looked carefully at each of these and in every case the presence of these residues would not have resulted in any adverse health effects for consumers. It is possible that many of these ‘exceedances’ are technicalities, arising because MRLs have not been set to reflect legitimate use of pesticides in exporting countries.
“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.
“Action was taken to inform suppliers and authorities of MRL exceedances where they were found.”
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 in April to June 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 at www.pesticides.gov.uk/prc.asp?id=1743.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes for Editors
Dr Ian Brown (BSc Agric, FRCP, FFOM, DDAM) 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.pesticides.gov.uk/prc_home.asp.
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. |
|
|
|
 |
|
Archive
Powered by php-BB © 2001, 2005 php-BB Group
Style by marsjupiter.com, released under GNU (GNU/GPL) license.
|
View Latest Posts