Pesticide Residue Committee â€" third quarter report 2007
The latest Pesticide Residues Committee's (PRC) quarterly report found that 537 out of 749 samples of 13 different foods tested had no detectable residues, and 207 contained levels below the maximum residues level (MRL) â€" the legally permitted level. 5 of the samples contained residues above the maximum permitted levels. None of these residues were likely to cause concern for people's health.
(Media-Newswire.com) - The latest Pesticide Residues Committee's ( PRC ) quarterly report found that 537 out of 749 samples of 13 different foods tested had no detectable residues, and 207 contained levels below the maximum residues level ( MRL ) – the legally permitted level. 5 of the samples contained residues above the maximum permitted levels. None of these residues were likely to cause concern for people's health.
No residues were detected in any of the samples of corn on the cob, milk, beef or yogurt. Dr Ian Brown, chairman of the Committee, said:
“The majority of food sampled either does not contain detectable residues or where residues are found they are in accordance with legal limits, the maximum residue level ( MRL ). The PRC have looked carefully at all of the residues above the MRL. We are satisfied that all the results are unlikely to be of concern for consumer health.
The results show 5 samples ( 0.7% ) contained residues in excess of the legal levels.
We have looked carefully at the findings and concluded that in all cases the residues found were unlikely to have resulted in any health effects for consumers.
The results should reassure consumers that the food they eat continues to be safe. I can understand that some people have concerns about pesticide residues in their food, but as a doctor I cannot overemphasise the importance of continuing to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Scientific evidence shows that the health benefits far outweigh any concerns about pesticide residues.â€
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 million food and drink monitoring programme which takes place each year, and cover testing up to September 2007.
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.
Notes to editors Dr Ian Brown ( OBE BSc ( Agric ) FRCP FFOM ) 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 foods 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:
Back up statutory approvals process for pesticides by checking that no unexpected residues are occurring. To check that residues do not exceed statutory maximum residue levels. 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.prc-uk.org.
The PRC are interested in feedback on their report and welcome readers to contact them about the content and style of the quarterly report. Please see feedback sheet at the end of the report.
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.
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