Report says tests for pesticides must be extended

TESTING for pesticide levels in Irish food needs to be significantly extended, according to a report to be published by the Government later this week.

The report, Pesticide Residues Irish Food, finds Irish food generally low in pesticides though they are found in a high proportion of food items. There is a need, however, for an increase in sampling of produce, a widening of the range of foods tested and a significant broadening of the pesticides tested for.

The Pesticide Control Service attached to the Department of Agriculture and Food found that 47 per cent of samples tested between 1994 and 1996 contained detectable residues of pesticide but these were lower than the maximum residue limit (MRL), the maximum legal limit permitted in or on food commodities and animal feeds.

One per cent of 3,194 samples exceeded the statutory MRL, which was considered "indicative of a low pesticide residue content in food on the Irish market" both imported and home-produced. Irish levels generally compared favourably with other states.

In two instances the acceptable daily intake (ADI) was exceeded (samples of clementines and lettuce). In two other samples (lettuce and spinach) the ADI was reached. While these do not relate to normal levels of intake of such items by consumers - health would only be at risk if the residue intake was repeated daily for an extended period - the findings are a matter of concern", the report states.

It adds: "The fact that abuses can occur and that excessive residues can be detected, points to the need for the continuation and strengthening of the monitoring band violation investigation programmes."

Residues higher than statutory MRLs, which occurred in 2 per cent of fruit and vegetables analysed, "is indicative of the need for strengthening of the monitoring and compliance programmes", it add. A sample of pears from Portugal and apples of French origin were found to contain residual traces of six pesticides.

The shortcomings in current testing are indicated by the number of pesticides for which MRLs have been established but which are not yet monitored. There are 55 pesticide compounds potentially used on fruit and vegetables for which MRLs are set but are not yet included in the monitoring programme. In the case of cereals, 39 compounds are not yet tested for, and in relation to fresh meat, milk and dairy products, 41 compounds are not being monitored.

The report states that the Department "continues to be committed to the strengthening of the pesticide residue monitoring scheme, thereby, in so far as pesticide residues are concerned, ensuring the safety of food for consumers and ensuring the quality of produce offered for sale".

The residue levels found in meat, milk and dairy products was generally very low and was considered "of no relevance from a consumer safety point of view". The quantities found, it says, reflect the increased sensitivity of analytical techniques used by the Pesticide Control Service, which is in Abbotstown, Co Dublin.

But in some instances the pesticides found in food items suggested illegal use, or use of pesticides containing unacceptable impurities of such compounds, notably in relation to fruit and vegetables.

Where samples were found to breach limits in the past, produce from the same sources will be subjected to "further particular scrutiny", known as target monitoring. This will apply to imported fruit and vegetables, which will be impounded pending sampling and analysis. A careful check will also be made of domestic carrots, lettuce and turnips which come from producers found previously to have had excessive residues.

In a foreword to the report, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr Jimmy Deenihan, reiterates that pesticide residue levels in raw agricultural produce are generally very low.