Spring term results of pesticides residues testing for schools

The latest results from the Pesticide Residues Committee's (PRC) programme of pesticide residue testing in fruit and vegetables supplied to school children found that one sample contained a pesticide above the legal level in the Spring 2006 term survey.

Tests were carried out on 44 samples of five different fruit and vegetables. 14 samples were free from residues and 29 contained residues within the maximum residue level (MRL). One apple sample contained residues above the MRL. Risk assessments concluded that none of the residues detected were likely to affect the health of children eating the produce.

Dr Ian Brown, chairman of the Committee, said:

"None of the results in the Spring Term gave the PRC any concern for consumer health. They show that the vast majority of fruit and vegetables supplied to school children is residue free or contains residues at levels in accordance with guidelines.

"The results should reassure parents that the fruit and vegetables their children eat continue 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.

The PRC produce the report of the residue testing programme conducted on fruit and vegetables supplied under the Department of Health's School Fruit Scheme on a termly basis.

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.