EFSA publishes latest figures on pesticides in food

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published its latest report on pesticide residues in food in the EU, giving a snapshot of the levels found in a range of products widely consumed in the territory.

A total of 96,302 samples were analysed in 2019, 96.1% of which fell within legally permitted levels. For the subset of 12,579 samples analysed as part of the EU-coordinated control programme (EUCP), 98% were within legal limits.

The EUCP analysed samples randomly collected from 12 food products, apples, head cabbages, lettuce, peaches, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes, oat grain, barley grain, red and white wine, cow’s milk, and swine fat. Of those samples analysed:

• 6,674 (53%) were found to be free of quantifiable levels of residues
• 5,664 (45%) contained one or more residues in concentrations below or equal to permitted levels
• 241 (2%) contained residues exceeding the legal maximum of which 1% led to legal actions

Source: EFSA, 7 April 2021