Pesticide Residues Committee publishes 2005 annual report

The Pesticide Residues Committee (PRC) published their annual report today. The results of the 2005 monitoring programme show that in 68.1% of the food sampled no pesticide residues were found but 1.7% of samples contained residues above the permitted maximum levels.

These were mostly in imported exotic fruit and vegetables.

Dr Ian Brown, chairman of the committee, said:

"It is very important that people have confidence in the safety of our food and that we recommend speedy action if there is any cause for concern.

"This annual report continues to show that in most of our food we did not find pesticide residues, but 1.7% of food contained residues above the maximum residue levels (MRLs) set by law. This is a higher percentage than in recent years, and is mainly because we have targeted certain exotic fruits and vegetables where residues are likely to be above these limits. We have carried out full risk assessments of these cases, which included looking at the most vulnerable people such as toddlers and infants. Most of the residues did not give us any concerns for the health of any group of people who might have eaten the foods.

"I cannot overemphasise the importance of continuing to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. The health benefits far outweigh any concern about pesticide residues."

Main findings:

* 3787 samples were tested;

* 98.3% of the produce tested either didn't contain detectable residues or contained residues within the maximum residue levels;

* 68.1% of the produce tested was free from residues;

* 1.7% of produce tested contained residues above the MRL ;

* 1966 samples were from the UK; 1821 were imported;

* 0.3% of UK samples and 3.2% of imported samples contained residues above the MRL;

* No residues were found in: chicken, eggs, infant formula, kidney, milk and swede.

3787 samples of both imported and home produced food were collected from many sources including shops, markets, ports and wholesale suppliers and tested for a wide range of different pesticides. Results are published every 3 months and then summarised at the end of the year in this annual report.