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

17157

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671

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276

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5324

2222

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37753944

170

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1125

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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

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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

HOW EUROPE

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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