Pesticide levels in EU food stable in 2003

Pesticide residues in fresh and processed food sold in Europe were stable in 2003 after rising by 1.2 percentage points the previous year (EED 04/08/04). Of 47,500 samples, 5.1% exceeded maximum residue levels (MRLs), the European commission reports. Some 56% contained no detectable residues, down from 58% in 2002. Eighteen countries took part in the monitoring exercise. Most MRLs are set at the national level. A new regulation that entered force in April will progressively harmonise national MRLs at the EU level (EED 22/03/05). See 2003 report.

• Chemicals
• Health/consumers
• Agriculture