California residue testing

Results of pesticide residue testing carried out in 1993 in California have revealed that, of 6,066 samples taken from 161 commodities, detectable residues were found in about 36% of cases. Of these, 95 samples (1.57%) were above the legal tolerance or maximum residue limit.
    Market place surveillance is the most visible part of the residue testing programme. Samples are taken throughout the channels of trade—at seaports and other points of entry into California, packing sites and wholesale outlets. The goal of the programme is to have laboratory analysis completed within six hours, so that if illegal residues are found, it is possible to stop the sale of the produce.
    The percentage of illegal residues increased slightly from 1992 to 1993, primarily because of increased surveillance of imported commodities with a history of pesticide violations. “We are targeting foreign growers who have over-stepped the line in the past,” said Paul Gosselin of the Californian Environmental Protection Agency.
    Produce found to contain illegal residues is quarantined while shippers and packers are contacted to locate where it was grown. Possible enforcement action can include criminal and civil penalties, as well as destruction of the contaminated crop.

1993 Residues in Fresh Produce, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, 1020 N St., Sacramento, CA 95814, US, US$9.