Chp 8.-Pesticide Residue

Question 1

Monitoring for Pesticide Residues

Pesticide residue is the remnant of a pesticide that can be found on a crop or commodity after application and may result from the following.

Answer 1

1. )Direct application
2. )Off-site movement such as drift, volatilization, wind-blown pesticide dusts and pesticide residues on soil particles and runoff from irrigation or rain water.
3. )Plant uptake from contaminated soil
4. )Other environmental sources.

Question 2

Sampling for Residues

Q8.1

Answer 2

DPR, the US FDA, and the CAC can collect samples from chainstore distribution centers, wholesale markets, and points of entry for all produce commodities in order to analyze for pesticide residues.

DPR also collects samples from chain store distribution centers, wholesale markets, and points of entry including foreign produce. The purpose is to monitor for illegal pesticide use or residue levels.

Question 3

Pesticide Residue Tolerances.
(Q8.1, Q8.2)

The US EPA establishes human tolerance levels for pesticide residues in produce. Each tolerance is the highest residue level of a particular pesticide that is legally allowed on a particular commodity.

The purpose of pesticide residue tolerances is to ensure that consumers are not exposed to unsafe levels of pesticide residues in food.

Answer 3

Tolerances are based on extensive crop residue data and toxicological information. In California pesticide tolerances are enforced by the joint efforts of DPR and CDFA (California Department of Food and Agriculture) for analytical chemistry.

The best way for you to avoid pesticide residue problems is to read and carefully follow the label instruction and follow any laws or regulations. Always consider what is being produced on adjoining properties. Residues are measured in ppm, and in general are detectable at levels as low as .01ppm.

Question 4

Quarantine

Q8.3, Q8.4

Answer 4

When an agricultural commodity is found to carry pesticide residue in excess of the legal tolerance, the commodity is quarantined and removed from sales and distribution. The grower, packer, and shipper are all subject to prosecution.

The same can apply for pesticides that are used on crops that they are not registered for; it is considered a “public nuisance”. It may be seized by DPR to prevent its harvest or sale and to prevent planting of the site.

Question 5

Commercial Laboratories

Answer 5

Many growers and chemical firms use the services of commercial laboratories that conduct pesticide residue analysis. All laboratories must be accredited by the California Department of Public Health.