The report gives a snapshot of the presence of pesticide residues in food in the EU, providing risk managers an important information on which to base decisions regarding future control measures.
A total of 91,015 samples were analyzed in 2018, 95.5% of which fell within legally permitted levels. For the subset of 11,679 samples analyzed as part of the EU-coordinated control program (random collection), 98.6% of samples were within legal limits.
The findings suggest that the assessed levels for the food commodities analyzed are unlikely to pose concern for consumer health. However, a number of recommendations are proposed to increase the efficiency of European control systems (e.g. optimizing traceability), thereby continuing to ensure a high level of consumer protection.
The 2018 European Union report on pesticide residues in food
A total of 91,015 samples were analyzed in 2018, 95.5% of which fell within legally permitted levels. For the subset of 11,679 samples analyzed as part of the EU-coordinated control program (random collection), 98.6% of samples were within legal limits.
The findings suggest that the assessed levels for the food commodities analyzed are unlikely to pose concern for consumer health. However, a number of recommendations are proposed to increase the efficiency of European control systems (e.g. optimizing traceability), thereby continuing to ensure a high level of consumer protection.
The 2018 European Union report on pesticide residues in food