Pesticide Residues Committee - First Quarter Report 2006

The latest Pesticide Residues Committee's (PRC) quarterly report found that 61.7% of the 366 samples of seven different foods tested had no detectable residues, and 36.4% contained levels below the maximum residues level (MRL) - the legally permitted level. Seven of the samples (1.9%) contained residues above the maximum permitted levels. None of these residues were likely to cause concern for people's health.

All the milk 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 all the results give us no concern for consumer health.

"The results show seven samples (1.9%) contained residues in excess of the maximum permitted levels. We have looked carefully at each of these exceedances and in every 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.

"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 January to March 2006. 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.