how europe monitors pesticide · 2015. 5. 27. · to carry out their job e˜ectively while ensuring...
TRANSCRIPT
Why are pesticides used? To protect cropsfrom beingdamagedor destroyed by diseaseand pests.
To maintaincrop yields.
What are pesticide residues andhow do they get into food?These residues are the measurable amounts ofchemicals resulting from the use of pesticidesthat remain on cereals, fruit and vegetablesafter harvesting.
Pesticides residues present on crops usedto feed animals and in the environmentcan be found in foods of animal origin suchas meat, milk and eggs.
EFSA is the keystone of EU risk assessment regarding food and feed safety. In close collaboration with national authorities and in open consultation with its stakeholders, EFSA provides independent scientific advice and clearcommunication on existing and emerging risks.
Making sure pesticide levels in food are safe
At EU level, pesticide use islimited to the minimumquantity that allows themto carry out their jobe�ectively while ensuringfood is safe to eat.
Future developmentsAs part of its ongoing mission to advance risk assessment, EFSA has started usingan innovative approach to dietary exposure known as cumulative risk assessment.This approach considers risks arising from the exposure to more than one pesticide.Cumulative e�ects will only occur when chemicals with similar toxicologicalproperties present on food are consumed together.
www.efsa.europa.eu
EFSA provides independent risk assessments to evaluate how pesticides can be used safely.
Based on EFSA’s advice, the EuropeanCommission and Member States approvepesticides and set legal limits forpesticide residues on foods- known as maximumresidue levels (MRLs).
Europe-wide cooperation to monitor pesticide residues
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2757865
276
3487
5324
2222
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1753
2104
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37753944
170
2670
4516
25311518
1125
1298612
247
245
268
Number of samples analysed in 2011EFSA analyses the data and publishes a reportannually detailing the percentage of samplescontaining residue levels within legal limits.The report also assesses the exposure ofEuropean consumers to pesticide residuesthrough their diets. EU decision-makers usethese data as a basis for future actions such asmonitoring activities, pesticide authorisationsand MRL setting.
2 EFSA
0
100%
90%
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Percentage of samples within legal limits
An ongoing review has led to the removalfrom the EU market of a large numberof pesticides that failed to meetcurrent safety standards.
3Authorised pesticides
500
0
1000
1993 2013Number of authorised pesticides
National authoritiesfrom the EUMember States, Iceland and Norwayanalyse pesticideresidues on morethan 75,000 foodsamples each yearand send theresults to EFSA.
1Member States
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M O N I T O R S P E S T I C I D ER E S I D U E S I N F O O D
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