Similar levels of pesticide residues were found in foodstuffs of plant origin in 2008 as in previous years. The majority (94%) of the analysed products conformed to regulations. Products imported from Thailand, in particular, showed residue levels in excess of the permitted maximum amounts.
Minor residues are common
A total of ca. 2000 food products of plant origin were analysed in 2008 for residues of 256 different pesticides. Most of the samples were fresh fruit and vegetables and the rest were cereals and processed products. More than half of the products (59%) contained residues of one or several pesticides. However, the levels were in most cases low and 94% of the products conformed to regulations. Pesticide residues were found in 37% of the domestic products analysed, with the maximum permitted level exceeded in only two samples (raspberry and dill).