BVL quarterly evaluation of pesticide residues in foodstuffs

The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) regularly prepares quarterly evaluations of residue investigations in food, whereby the investigation quarters are not identical to the calendar quarters.

Apples were the focus of the official residue monitoring with 256 samples. With >100 samples each, potatoes, table grapes, tomatoes, grapefruits, pomelos, sweeties, peppers, bananas, celeriac, carrots, green salads, cultivated mushrooms, oranges and mandarins were represented in the testing plan. Grapefruits, pomelos, sweeties, limes, apricots, plums, blueberries, gooseberries, kiwis, mangoes and pineapples did not exceed the maximum residue limits. In the case of vegetables, the maximum residue levels of the pesticides tested were complied with for potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, beetroot, radishes, tomatoes, courgettes, melons, pumpkins, Brussels sprouts, head cabbage, field lettuce, chives, asparagus, rhubarb and wild mushrooms.

Of all the samples examined, 42% came from Germany, 26% from EU countries and 17% from third countries. The origin of the remaining samples was unclear.

In the case of German goods, only

were found to be in excess of residues. 48% of the German samples were free of residues.

In EU fresh produce

Excessive residue levels in third country produce were found in

We limited ourselves in the summary to the area of fruit and vegetable testing. A tabular summary of all results can be found under the link provided.

Link: https://www.bvl.bund.de/ 

Autor: Dr. Frank Mörsberger