Pesticides

The definition of a pesticide given by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying or controlling any pest. There are more than 1000 pesticides used around the world to ensure food is not damaged or destroyed by pests. Each pesticide has different properties and toxicological effects. There are mainly four types of pesticide according to the chemical structures:
Carbamate pesticides
Organophosphorus pesticides
Pyrethroids
Organochloride pesticides

Pesticide residue refers to the pesticides that may remain on or in food after they are applied to food crops. Persistent chemicals can be magnified through the food chain and have been detected in products ranging from meat, poultry, and fish, to vegetable oils, nuts, and various fruits and vegetables. The maximum allowable levels of these residues in foods are often stipulated by regulatory bodies in many countries.

Regulation and Controls

The application of pesticides can result in residues at detectable concentrations in food. Nowadays pesticides can only be authorized for use if it has been scientifically established that the active substances used are effective and can be used safely without harmful effects on people (consumers, growers and bystanders), animals or the environment.

One of the requirements for authorization of a plant protection product (PPP) is establishment of a maximum residue level (MRL) or tolerance. This is the pesticide residue level not likely to be exceeded in a specific food/feed commodity when the PPP is used in accordance with the label instructions. It is important to recognize that MRLs are primarily trading standards and not safety levels as they are usually set much lower than the levels that would pose a risk to consumers: usually 100 times below the no observable effect level (NOEL). Food produce found to contain a pesticide residue above the respective MRL is removed from trade channels.

The food supply is monitored to check compliance with MRLs and ensure consumers are not being exposed to concentrations of pesticides that are harmful to their health.

MORE INFORMATION ON SPECIFIC PESTICIDES

We offer conjugates, antibodies and test kits for all relevant pesticides.