10489 Dept. of Argiculture - Pesticide Control Service - Department ...

10489 Dept. of Argiculture 5/12/2003 12:34 pm Page a 

PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN FOOD-2002 

__________ 

BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH: 

ARNA FHOILSIÚ AG OIFIG AN tSOLÁTHAIR 

__________ 

Le ceannach díreach ón 

OIFIG DHÍOLTA FOILSEACHÁN RIALTAIS, 

TEACH SUN ALLIANCE, SRÁID THEACH LAIGHEAN, BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH 2, 

nó tríd an bpost ó 

FOILSEACHÁIN RIALTAIS, AN RANNÓG POST-TRÁCHTA, 

51 FAICHE STIABHNA, BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH 2. 

(Teil: 01-647 6834/35/36/37; Fax: 01-647 6843) 

nó trí aon díoltóir leabhar. 

__________ 

DUBLIN 

PUBLISHED BY THE STATIONERY OFFICE 

__________ 

To be purchased directly from the 

GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALE OFFICE, 

SUN ALLIANCE HOUSE, MOLESWORTH STREET, DUBLIN 2, 

or by mail order from 

GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS, POSTAL TRADE SECTION, 

51 ST. STEPHEN’S GREEN, DUBLIN 2. 

(Tel: 01-647 6834/35/36/37; Fax: 01-647 6843) 

or through any bookseller. 

Price: €7 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & FOOD 

PESTICIDE CONTROL SERVICE — AUGUST 2003. 

ABBOTSTOWN, CASTLEKNOCK, DUBLIN 15, IRELAND

10489 Dept. of Argiculture 5/12/2003 12:34 pm Page b 

- b -

10489 Dept. of Argiculture 5/12/2003 12:34 pm Page c 

© Government of Ireland 2003 

ISBN (To be supplied) 

500 9/03 Brunswick Press Ltd. Spl. (10489)

10489 Dept. of Argiculture 5/12/2003 12:34 pm Page i 

FOREWORD 

I am very pleased to present the results of the national 

monitoring programme for pesticide residues in food 

carried out in 2002 by the Department’s Pesticide 

Control Service under the terms of the service contract 

with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. Food safety 

is of great importance to all involved in the food chain 

and, through the residue monitoring programme, 

consumers can be assured that they are not exposed to 

unacceptable pesticide residue levels and that only 

authorized pesticides are applied to food crops. Samples 

of food are analysed in the Department’s Pesticide 

Control Laboratory that is accredited by the National 

Accreditation Board (NAB) of Ireland to the ISO 17025 

standard for the analysis of selected pesticide residues 

in food of plant and of animal origin. The accreditation 

status of the laboratory will continue to be extended to 

cover additional pesticides and food commodities. This report provides detailed information on the 

results of the sampling and analysis programmes for residual traces of pesticides in both imported and 

domestic food for 2002. 

Noel Treacy TD 

Minister of State at the Department 

of Agriculture and Food 

i

10489 Dept. of Argiculture 5/12/2003 12:34 pm Page ii 

ii

10489 Dept. of Argiculture 5/12/2003 12:34 pm Page iii 

CONTENTS 

Page No. 

Foreword 

i 

List of Tables 

vi 

Introduction 1 

Monitoring Programmes 1 

A Sampling of fruit and vegetables 2 

B Sampling of cereals 3 

C Sampling of food of animal origin 3 

D Samples of miscellaneous products 3 

E Analytical procedures 3 

Quality Assurance 4 

Results and Discussion 5 

A Fruit and Vegetables 5 

i Routine monitoring programme 5 

ii Targeted sampling programme 23 

iii 

Sampling of vegetable crops produced by growers 

participating in the An Bord Glas Quality Programme 24 

B Cereals 25 



iii

10489 Dept. of Argiculture 5/12/2003 12:34 pm Page iv 

CONTENTS Continued 

Page No. 

C Food of animal origin 26 

1 Bovine meat 26 



2 Ovine meat 27 



3 Porcine meat 28 



4 Dairy products 28 



5 Venison 28 

6 Poultry 29 

7 Eggs 29 

8 Honey 29 

D Miscellaneous and complaint samples 30 

Conclusions 31 

A Introduction 31 

B Routine monitoring programme 31 

C Violation investigation programme 36 

D Concluding remarks 37 

Annex I 

Regulations fixing maximum levels for pesticide residues 

in agricultural produce 38 

iv

10489 Dept. of Argiculture 5/12/2003 12:34 pm Page v 

CONTENTS Continued 

Page No. 

Annex II 

EC Directives fixing maximum levels for pesticide 

residues in agricultural produce 40 

Annex III Glossary of terms 43 

Annex IV 

Analytical methods and procedures employed for the 

determination of pesticide residues in foodstuffs 45 

Annex V Pesticides determined in fruit, vegetables, cereals and honey 46 

Annex VI Pesticides determined in bovine, porcine, ovine, poultry and venison kidney fat 48 

Annex VII Pesticides determined in milk 50 

Annex VIII 

Summary of the results of the quality assurance 

programme for analytical methods 52 

1 Fruit and vegetables 52 

2 Cereals 56 

3 Food of animal origin 60 

i Meat fat 60 

ii Dairy products 63 

iii Poultry products 65 

Annex IX Pesticides determined in vegetable samples analysed 68 

by Analytical Consultants on behalf of An Bord Glas 

Annex X 

Summary of the results of the analysis of Irish 

vegetables sampled by An Bord Glas 71 

v

10489 Dept. of Argiculture 5/12/2003 12:34 pm Page vi 

LIST OF TAzBLES 

Page No. 

Table 1 

Fruit and vegetable samples analysed for their pesticide 

residues content in 2002 8 

Table 2 Pesticide residues detected in fruit and vegetables in 2002 10 

Table 3 

Pesticide residues detected in targeted samples of fruit and 

vegetables in 2002 24 

Table 4 

Cereal samples analysed for their pesticide residue content 

in 2002 25 

Table 5 Pesticide residues detected in cereals in 2002 25 

Table 6 Pesticide residues detected in bovine kidney fat in 2002 26 

Table 7 Pesticide residues detected in ovine kidney fat in 2002 27 

Table 8 Pesticide residues detected in porcine kidney fat in 2002 28 

Table 9 Pesticide residues detected in poultry fat in 2002 29 

Table 10 Pesticide residues detected in miscellaneous and complaint samples 2002 30 

Table 11 

Samples with pesticide residues exceeding Maximum Residue 

Limits (MRLs) in 2002 32 

Table 12 

Relationship between excessive residue levels found and the 

ADI and ARfD levels for humans 36 

vi

10489 Dept. of Argiculture 5/12/2003 12:34 pm Page 1 

INTRODUCTION 

The monitoring programme for pesticide residues in food undertaken by the Department 

of Agriculture and Food through its Pesticide Control Service, at Abbotstown, Dublin 15, 

is aimed at ensuring that consumers are not exposed to unacceptable pesticide residue 

levels. In addition, it is aimed at ensuring that authorised pesticides are correctly applied 

to food crops and that the use of unauthorised pesticides is detected. 

In accordance with the contractual arrangements between the Department and the Food 

Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) 1 , the annual monitoring programme carried out by the 

Pesticide Control Service has since 5 July 1999, been agreed with and conducted on behalf 

of the FSAI. 

The monitoring programme in place involves the sampling of produce of imported and of 

domestic origin. The analytical part of the monitoring programme reflects pesticide usage 

patterns both in Ireland and abroad. Some 800 active substances are registered for use in 

plant protection products around the world, of which between 300 and 400 are in common 

use. 

Pesticide residue levels in treated crops and in animal products are regulated through the 

establishment of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). Currently MRLs have been 

established in Ireland for some 150 pesticides in fruit and vegetables (including tea), some 

130 pesticides in cereals and some 100 pesticides in food of animal origin, reflecting 

relevant European Union (EU) legislation. Following the adoption of changes in EU 

procedures for setting MRLs, more rapid progress is being achieved than heretofore in 

their elaboration 2, 3 . 

When MRLs are exceeded, officers of the Pesticide Control Service can remove the 

produce concerned from the market and destroy it at the owner’s expense. The Minister 

may also take prosecutions. Where warranted, a “Rapid Alert” 4 can be issued by the FSAI. 

A Rapid Alert is issued when residues detected in food are considered to be harmful to the 

consumer. 

Explanations of the various technical terms used in this report are provided in a glossary 

at the end of this report (Annex III). 

MONITORING PROGRAMMES 

Monitoring programmes are in place for the three different food groups for which MRLs 

have been established, food of plant origin (including fruit and vegetables), cereals and 

food of animal origin (meat, milk, and dairy produce). Officers of the Pesticide Control 

Service carry out the sampling of food of plant origin and cereals, while members of the 

Dairy Science and Veterinary Inspectorates of the Department of Agriculture and Food 

carry out the sampling of food of animal origin. 

1 Service Contract between the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development dated 5th 

day of July 1999. 

2 Council Directive (91/414/EEC) of 15 July 1991, concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market, OJ No. L 230/1 of 

19.8.1991. 

3 Council Directive (97/41) of 25 June 1997 amending Directives 76/895/EEC, 86/362/EEC, 86/363/EEC and 90/642/EEC relating to the 

fixing of maximum levels for pesticide residues in and on, respectively, fruit and vegetables, cereals, foodstuffs of animal origin, and certain 

products of plant origin, including fruit and vegetables OJ No. L 184 of 12.7.1997. 

4 Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28th of January 2002. 

- 1 -


The monitoring programme for 2002, agreed with the FSAI, takes into consideration - 

i the programme recommended by the European Commission 5 , 

ii 

iii 

dietary intake patterns of Irish consumers 6 , and 

the residue profile of commodities as established from the results of the 

monitoring programme in previous years. 

The total number of samples analysed at 965, reflected the capacity of the laboratory to 

process samples submitted and was an increase of some 50% over the year 2001. The 

capacity of the laboratory in 2002 to analyse samples for pesticide residues continues to 

reflect the deployment of new staff that were recruited to the laboratory towards the end 

of 2001 and that are now fully trained in the analysis of samples for pesticide residues. 

Significant resources are deployed within the laboratory to maintain systems and 

procedures to support NAB 7 accreditation of the laboratory in accordance with the 

requirement of Council Directive 89/397/EEC 8 and Council Directive 93/99/EEC 9 . The 

laboratory is currently accredited to ISO 17025 standard for the analysis of pesticide 

residues in both food of plant and of animal origin using gas chromatographic techniques. 

The scope of this accreditation will continue to be extended in 2003 to include additional 

pesticides and food commodities. 

The monitoring programme is the prime means of ensuring that pesticides are used in 

accordance with Good Agricultural Practice. The monitoring programme is essential to 

the elimination of abuses in the use of pesticides, such as use of excessive dose rates, 

failure to respect the minimum periods specified between last application and harvest (i.e. 

pre-harvest intervals) and use for purposes for which they are not authorised (i.e. illegal 

uses). When used in accordance with Good Agricultural Practice unacceptable levels of 

pesticide residues should not occur in treated produce. 

In accordance with the European Communities (Prohibition of Certain Active Substances 

in Plant Protection Products) Regulations, 1981 to 1990, the marketing and use of certain 

plant protection products are prohibited because of risks to human health or the 

environment associated with their use. The residue monitoring programme serves as an 

indicator of the level of compliance with those provisions. 

A 

SAMPLING OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES 

Routine sampling is biased in favour of food commodities that are of greater dietary 

importance. Within particular commodity groups, samples are taken at random. As part of 

the violation investigation programme, fruit and vegetables of specific origin are targeted 

for further special attention, where residues at levels in excess of MRLs have been found 

following routine sampling. When a crop is encountered which is targeted for statutory 

sampling, whether as a result of information generated through routine monitoring or 

following a Food Alert issued by the FSAI or following a Rapid Alert notification to the 

5 Commission Recommendation of 27 December 2001, concerning a co-ordinated Community monitoring programme for 2002 to ensure 

compliance with maximum levels of pesticide residues in and on cereals and certain other products of plant origin (2002/1/EC) OJ No L 

2/8 of 4th of January 2002. 

6 IUNA, North South Food Consumption Database, 2001. 

7 National Accreditation Board. 

8 Council Directive of 14 June 1989 on the official control of foodstuffs. (89/397/EEC) OJ No. L 186 of 30.6.1989. 

9 Council Directive of 29 October 1993 on the subject of additional measures concerning the official control of foodstuffs. (93/99/EEC)OJ 

No. L 290 of 24.11.1993. 

- 2 -


FSAI from the EU Commission, the sampled lot is seized pending analysis. Since 

monitoring of pesticide residues commenced in 1982, six repeat violations in targeted 

crops have been encountered 10 – one of which led to prosecution and conviction. Both 

domestic and imported produce are sampled, primarily at wholesale level. This approach 

ensures that samples taken are representative of consumption patterns and allows action to 

be taken, where necessary, prior to distribution. 

B 

SAMPLING OF CEREALS 

The main concern with respect to cereals relates to residues that arise as a result of postharvest 

application of plant protection products. The current sampling programme for 

cereals is confined, for practical reasons, to the sampling and analysis of grain used in the 

milling, malting and breakfast cereal industries. Cereals and cereal products of both 

domestic and imported origin are sampled on a random basis, at point of assembly or 

storage. Samples analysed are taken at random by authorised officers of the Pesticide 

Control Service. 

C 

SAMPLING OF FOOD OF ANIMAL ORIGIN 

Random samples of bovine, porcine, ovine, poultry and venison fat are taken at a range of 

meat plants around the country. Dairy produce is sampled at production plants or points of 

assembly. The samples analysed relate only to domestic produce. The meat samples 

analysed are from individual animals. Each dairy produce sample taken is representative 

of a particular bulk consignment. Members of the Dairy Science and Veterinary 

Inspectorates of the Department of Agriculture and Food carry out the sampling of meat 

and dairy produce. 

D 

SAMPLES OF MISCELLANEOUS PRODUCTS 

Complaint or suspect samples are submitted from time to time for analysis by other 

Services of the Department of Agriculture and Food, other State Services, Local 

Authorities, concerned consumers and other interested parties. 

E 

ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES 

The methodologies used in the analysis of the different food samples involve - 

i homogenisation of samples, 

ii extraction of the samples into a suitable organic solvent, 

iii clean-up of the solvent extract using chromatographic techniques, and 

iv analysis of the cleaned up extract with capillary GC and HPLC instrumentation, 

using specific detectors and GC-mass spectrometry. 

The methods used in most cases are multi-residue in nature, an approach that facilitates the 

maximisation of laboratory output. The detection and confirmation of the presence of 

residues in food samples depends on the use of chromatography columns of different 

polarity. Quantitative determinations are made by - 

10 1994, 1995 & 1996 Pesticide Residues in Food, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 Pesticide Residues in Food, Department of Agriculture, Food 

and Rural Development, Pesticide Control Service, Dublin, Ireland. Published by the Stationary Office Available from the Government 

Publications Sale Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. 

- 3 -


i(i) 

(ii) 

comparison with external standards, and 

in the case of fruit and vegetables, use of a 3-point calibration curve of matrixmatched 

standards. 

Due to the wide variety of fruit and vegetables analysed, it is not practical to use all 

matrices. In 2002, 10 different matrices including peas, beans, carrots, tomatoes, 

cucumbers, kiwi, celery, aubergine, potatoes and mushroom were used for the preparation 

of matrix matched standards when quantifying residues in routine samples. In the case of 

targeted statutory samples, quantitative determinations were made using, where possible, 

the matrix of the commodity analysed. 

In addition to the analysis of samples using gas chromatography with specific detectors 

confirmation of the identity of pesticide residues using mass spectrometry is now included 

as part of the analytical process where pesticides are amenable to this analysis. 

Specific rather than multi-residue methods of analysis are used for the detection of 

benzimidazole residues. The method of analysis for the benzimidazole pesticides was not 

an accredited method of analysis in 2002. 

Further details of the methods employed are provided in Annex IV. 

QUALITY ASSURANCE. 

Routine quality assurance procedures within the laboratory have become much more 

involved following the accreditation of the laboratory. In 2002 in excess of 250 samples 

were used in recovery studies to verify that the analytical methods were being used 

correctly in the laboratory. This work involved: 

i 

ii 

iii 

iv 

v 

vi 

vii 

All animal fat samples being spiked with Aldrin as an internal standard. 

Each batch of 10 samples of food of animal origin being spiked with reference 

pesticide mixtures containing 9 organochlorine pesticides, 9 organophosphorous 

pesticides and a PCB mixture containing 7 PCB congeners. 

For every 40 samples of food of animal origin analysed one sample being spiked with 

one of 3 mixtures of organochlorine pesticides containing a total of 13 pesticides. 

This recovery work is carried out on a rolling basis. 

For every 40 samples of food of animal origin analysed one sample being spiked with 

one of 3 mixtures of organophosphorous pesticides containing a total of 15 pesticides. 


Each batch of 10 dairy product samples being spiked with reference pesticide 

mixtures containing 10 organochlorine pesticides, 9 organophosphorous pesticides 

and a PCB mixture containing 7 PCB congeners. 

For every 40 samples of dairy produce analysed one sample being spiked with one of 

3 mixtures of organochlorine pesticides containing a total of 13 pesticides. This 

recovery work is carried out on a rolling basis. 

For every 40 samples of dairy produce analysed one sample being spiked with one of 

3 mixtures of organophosphorous pesticides containing a total of 15 pesticides. This 


viii Each batch of 10 cereal samples being spiked with reference pesticide mixtures 

containing 14 organochlorine pesticides and 14 organophosphorous pesticides. 

ix For every 50 samples of cereals analysed one sample being spiked with one of 4 

mixtures of organochlorine pesticides containing a total of 32 pesticides. This 


- 4 -


x For every 50 samples of cereals analysed one sample being spiked with one of 5 

mixtures of organophosphorous pesticides containing a total of 27 pesticides. This 


xi Each batch of 10 fruit and vegetable samples being spiked with reference pesticide 

mixtures containing 14 organochlorine pesticides and 13 organophosphorous 

xii 

pesticides. 

For every 50 samples of fruit and vegetables analysed one sample being spiked with 

one of 4 mixtures of organochlorine pesticides containing a total of 32 pesticides. 


xiii For every 50 samples of fruit and vegetables analysed one sample being spiked with 

one of 5 mixtures of organophosphorous pesticides containing a total of 27 pesticides. 


Recovery studies were carried out using at least one ‘reference pesticide standard mixture’ 

representative of the range of pesticides analysed by the laboratory. These studies were 

generally carried out at concentrations equivalent to the lowest calibration level (LCL) or 

at 10 times the LCL for the pesticides concerned. Recovery levels are considered 

acceptable for routine monitoring samples if they are in the range of 60 – 140%. 

In addition to the in-house quality assurance programme, the laboratory participated in 

seven rounds of proficiency tests during 2002 that were organised and run by the Food 

Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS) 11 . The proficiency testing 

undertaken involved the analysis of samples of apple, orange, carrot, vegetable oil, and 

lettuce, spiked with pesticide residues. Up to 80 laboratories participated in the scheme 

and the results for the Pesticide Control Service were satisfactory. The laboratory also 

participated in a proficiency study organised on behalf of the EU Commission which 

involved analysis of a sample of oranges containing up to 15 different pesticides. 117 

laboratories participated in this study from each of the EU and accession countries. The 

results obtained by the Pesticide Control Laboratory in these proficiency studies were 

acceptable in all cases. 

The methods of analysis currently employed by the Pesticide Control Service do not have 

the capacity to detect all of the pesticides for which MRLs have been established in fruit 

and vegetables and in cereals. It is necessary to continue to expand the analytical capacity 

of the laboratory by increasing the number of pesticides included in the analytical screen. 

This will be achieved by further developing the scope of the current analytical methods 

used within the laboratory and by the introduction and use of new analytical methods. 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 

A 

i 

FRUIT AND VEGETABLES 

Routine Monitoring Programme 

The results of the 2002 monitoring programme are summarised in Table 1 below while the 

details on samples which were analysed and found to contain pesticide residues are 

presented in Table 2. 

11 FAPAS is a registered trade mark of the UK Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs [DEFRA]. 

- 5 -


In 2002, some 559 samples of 72 different types of fruit and vegetables were analysed for 

their pesticide residue content, of which 18% were of domestic origin, and 82% were of 

imported produce or of unknown origin. Details are provided in Table 1. Samples were 

analysed for residues of up to 89 pesticides and metabolites (Annex V). MRLs have been 

established for an additional 93 compounds which are not yet included in the monitoring 

programme. 52% of samples analysed contained detectable quantities of pesticide residues 

of which 4.7% contained residues in excess of the MRLs. 

Details of the residues detected are provided in Table 2. In all, residues of 46 different 

pesticides were detected in 2002. MRL’s exist for 39 of these compounds but have not yet 

been set for the remaining 7 pesticides. 

Thiabendazole (17.7% of samples), carbendazim (10.4% of samples), captan (6.4% of 

samples), chlorpyrifos (5.2% of samples), methidathion (5% of samples), iprodione (4.8% 

of samples), folpet (4.1% of samples), bromopropylate (3.9% of samples), tolyfluanid (3% 

of samples) and chlorothalonil (2.3% of samples) were the most commonly detected 

pesticides in the routine monitoring programme. Other pesticides detected in samples 

analysed were acephate, azinphos-methyl, bifenthrin, binapacryl, chlorfenvinphos, 

chlorpyrifos-methyl, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, demeton-S-me-sulphone, diazinon, 

dichlofluanid, dicofol, dieldrin, dimethoate, endosulfan, fenitrothion, fenvalerate, lambdacyhalothrin, 

lindane, malathion, methamidophos, mevinphos, omethoate, parathion, 

parathion-methyl, phosalone, phosmet, phosphamidon, procymidone, DDT, propyzamide, 

quintozene, tecnazene, tetradifon, tolcophos-methyl and vinclozolin. The frequency of 

detection of particular pesticide residues in 2002 is similar to that for 2001 with the 

exception that dimethoate was detected on far fewer occasions during 2002 (0.9%) as 

opposed to 3.3% in 2001. The reduction in the use of dimethoate may be related to EU 

decisions to modify the MRL’s for dimethoate during 2002. 

Residues of thiabendazole were detected mainly in citrus and bananas but were also found 

in apples, pears, kumquats, mangoes, and potatoes; residues of carbendazim were mainly 

detected in citrus, apples, pears and stone fruit but were also detected in grapes, 

strawberries, avocado, passion fruit, litchi and courgettes; residues of captan were detected 

mainly in apples but were also found in pears, apricots, nectarines, peaches, grapes and 

strawberries; chlorpyrifos was detected mainly in citrus but was also found in pears, 

peaches, plums, grapes and strawberries; methidathion was detected in citrus only; 

residues of iprodione were found in the widest range of crops, being detected in fifteen 

different fruit and vegetables [ pome fruit, stone fruit, berries and small fruit, kiwi, passion 

fruit, carrots, tomatoes and lettuce] ; folpet was found most commonly in citrus, apples and 

pears but was also found in bananas, lettuce and celery; bromopropylate was detected most 

frequently in citrus but was also found in apples, red currants and parsnips. ; residues of 

tolyfluanid were found in citrus, apples, strawberries, red currants, figs and tomatoes ; 

chlorothalonil was found in strawberries, blueberries, kiwano, papaya, tamarillos, 

tomatoes, cucumbers, head cabbage, lettuce, parsley and celery. 

In all, some 72 samples (12.9%) contained residues of two pesticides, 32 samples (5.7%) 

contained residues of three pesticides, 13 samples (2.3%) contained residues of four 

pesticides, 5 samples (0.9%) contained residues of five pesticides and 1 sample (0.2%) 

contained residues of six pesticides. 

Twenty six samples of fruit and vegetables, from the routine monitoring programme, were 

found to contain pesticide residues in excess of an MRL. Three of these samples were 

- 6 -


produce of Irish origin (parsley, strawberry and swede), ten were from other EU countries 

and the remaining thirteen were from outside of the EU. Of the 102 samples of domestic 

origin analysed 3 (2.9 %) contained residues in excess of an MRL, while in the case of the 

457 samples of imported origin analysed 23 (5 %) contained residues in excess of an 

MRL. 21 of the 26 samples containing pesticide residues that exceeded an MRL involved 

MRLs that have been established at the limit of determination. Thirteen of the samples 

found to contain pesticide residues levels in excess of MRLs were of food commodities 

that are of limited dietary importance (peach x2, blueberry, red currant, avocado, kiwano, 

kumquat, litchi, papaya, passion fruit, tamarillo, parsnip and parsley). The remaining 

fourteen samples (grapes x3, strawberries x2, carrots x1, swede x1, pepper x1, lettuce x1, 

spinach x2, celery x1 and potatoes x1) which contained residues in excess of an MRL are 

more widely consumed. The calculated dietary intake for the pesticides found in these 

crops is presented in Table 12. The estimated intake figures indicate that the residues 

present do not pose a threat to the health of Irish adult consumers. 

In the case of pesticides which are not used in the European Union but which may be used 

in other countries, MRLs are generally established at the limit of determination (LOD), 

reflecting non use within the EU. The occurrence of residues in excess of such MRLs in 

imported produce (i.e. they are technical breaches of MRLs), in most cases, do not present 

risks for consumers. Such anomalies should be resolved in due course by the World Trade 

Organisation (WTO) and by continuing co-operation between the EU and producer groups 

in third countries. In 2002 twelve of the thirteen MRL exceedances in produce imported 

from outside the EU related to situations where the EU MRL was established at the LOD. 

There were nine instances in 2002 of the occurrence of residues, in excess of the MRL, 

following unauthorised use of pesticides in Ireland and in other EU countries. The residues 

detected may have resulted in some cases from use on crops for which the particular 

pesticides are not authorised and in other cases from improper use of the pesticide. 

Improper use can involve non-compliance with the pre-harvest intervals specified, use of 

excessive rates or numbers of applications and/or the use of an inappropriate method of 

application. The instances of such excessive residues that did not involve risks for 

consumers, were: – 

■ dicofol in peaches (Spain) 

■ carbendazim in strawberry (Ireland)* 

■ endosulfan in carrot (Spain) 

■ chlorpyrifos in swedes (Ireland)* 

■ chlorothalonil in lettuce (Spain) 

■ chlorpyrifos in spinach (Spain) 

■ chlorpyrifos in parsley (Ireland) 

■ cypermethrin in celery (Spain) 

■ acephate in potato (Italy). 

* In these instances the residues arose from the use of an old plant protection product 

whose label did not reflect the changed MRL and associated change in GAP. 

- 7 -


Table 1: Fruit and vegetables samples analysed for their pesticide residue content in 2002 

Commodity No. No. No. Residues 

Samples Domestic Imported 

Analysed Samples Samples > MRL ≤ MRL ND 

Apple 67 67 47 20 

Apricot 3 3 2 1 

Asparagus 2 2 2 

Aubergine 3 3 3 

Avocado 4 4 1 3 

Banana 12 12 11 1 

Bean+pod 12 12 2 10 

Beansprout 1 1 1 

Blackberry 3 3 1 2 

Blackcurrant 2 2 2 

Blueberry 3 1 2 1 2 

Broccoli 2 2 1 1 

Cabbage 7 4 3 2 5 

Carrot 26 9 17 1 7 18 

Cauliflower 3 2 1 3 

Celery 15 6 9 1 6 8 

Cherry 2 2 2 0 

Clementine 31 31 26 5 

Courgette 5 1 4 1 4 

Cranberry 1 1 1 

Cucumber 11 8 3 2 9 

Fennel 1 1 1 0 

Fig 1 1 1 0 

Grape 16 16 3 7 6 

Grapefruit 11 11 6 5 

Kiwano 2 2 1 0 1 

Kiwi 11 11 4 7 

Kumquat 1 1 1 0 0 

Leek 1 1 1 

Lemon 4 4 3 1 

Lemongrass 1 1 1 0 

Lettuce 23 11 12 1 6 16 

Lime 1 1 1 

Litchi 3 3 1 2 

Mandarin 2 2 2 0 

Mandora 3 3 3 0 

Mango 6 6 2 4 

Melon 6 6 3 3 

Mineola 2 2 2 0 

Mushroom 6 5 1 1 5 

Nectarine 13 13 4 9 

Onion 1 1 1 0 

Orange 36 36 32 4 

Papaya 2 2 1 1 

Parlsey 5 4 1 1 3 1 

- 8 -


Table 1: 

Continued 

Commodity No. No. No. Residues 

Samples Domestic Imported 

Analysed Samples Samples > MRL ≤ MRL ND 

Parsnip 10 7 3 1 7 2 

Passion Fruit 2 2 1 1 

Peach 8 8 2 4 2 

Pear 24 24 12 12 

Peas (+pod) 1 1 1 

Pepper 10 10 1 2 7 

Physalis 1 1 1 

Pineapple 2 2 2 

Plum 12 12 8 4 

Potato 25 12 13 1 3 21 

Radish 1 1 1 

Raspberry 7 1 6 1 6 

Redcurrant 1 1 1 0 

Rhubarb 1 1 1 

Rocket 1 1 1 

Satsuma 20 20 20 0 

Spinach 12 12 2 1 9 

Spring onion 1 1 1 

Star Fruit 2 2 2 

Strawberry 16 11 5 2 7 7 

Swede 7 7 1 1 5 

Sweet potato 1 1 1 

Sweetcorn 1 1 1 

Tangarine 1 1 1 0 

Tomato 16 8 8 4 12 

Tamarillo 2 2 1 1 

Turnip 1 1 1 

TOTAL 559 102 457 26 263 270 

ND = no pesticide residue detected. 

- 9 -


Table 2: Pesticide residues detected in fruit and vegetables in 2002 

Sample Country of Residue detected Residue MRL 

number origin (mg/kg) (mg/kg) 

1. Fruit 1.1 Citrus Fruit 1.1.2. Clementines 

61525 Spain chlorpyrifos 0.12 2 

dicofol 0.09 2 

61526 Spain dicofol 0.08 2 

chlorpyrifos 0.11 2 

61529 Spain thiabendazole 4.7 5 


methidathion 0.06 2 

61549 Morocco methidathion 0.47 2 


61784 S. Africa thiabendazole 0.87 5 

61815 S. Africa folpet 0.01 0.1 

61830 S. Africa bromopropylate 0.45 5 



61888 S. Africa methidathion 0.12 2 


carbendazim 0.39 5 



bromopropylate 0.04 5 


thiabendazole 1.4 5 

61981 Chile chlorpyrifos 0.24 2 


61986 S. Africa carbendazim 0.46 5 




tetradifon 0.06 No MRL 

malathion 0.06 2 



62004 Canary Islands thiabendazole 0.25 5 





62033 Chile thiabendazole 0.85 5 


chlorpyrifos-me 0.03 1 






- 10 -


Table 2: 

Continued 



62083 Spain folpet 0.06 0.1 

62083 Spain tolyfluanid 0.03 No MRL 







1.1.3. Grapefruit 

61528 Cyprus bromopropylate 0.67 5 


chlorpyrifos 0.23 0.3 

61673 Turkey thiabendazole 1.8 5 


61708 Turkey chlorpyrifos 0.05 0.3 






61828 Greece Bromopropylate 0.13 5 





62081 Cuba bromopropylate 0.04 5 

62081 Cuba thiabendazole 3.3 5 

1.1.4. Lemons 

61866 Spain carbendazim 0.29 5 

tolyfluanid 0.01 No MRL 


61906 Spain tolyfluanid 0.08 No MRL 


62058 S. Africa tolyfluanid 0.04 No MRL 



folpet 0.04 0.1 

1.1.6. Mandarins 

61957 Argentina thiabendazole 3.6 5 


- 11 -


Table 2: 

Continued 



1.1.7. Mandora 

61636 Cyprus methidathion 0.40 2 







61714 Cyprus chlorpyrifos 0.14 0.3 



1.1.8. Mineola 

62022 Peru thiabendazole 0.13 5 


62057 Peru methidathion 0.15 2 



1.1.9. Orange 




61569 Spain dimethoate 0.11 1 



61600 Spain chlorpyrifos 0.20 0.3 



61635 Israel methidathion 0.17 2 



61700 Israel thiabendazole 2.4 5 

61706 Egypt thiabendazole 0.95 5 


61826 Spain dicofol 0.22 2 


61827 Greece parathion-me 0.16 0.2 

61859 Morocco carbendazim 0.07 5 


61865 Cyprus thiabendazole 3.8 5 






- 12 -


Table 2: 

Continued 









parathion 0.04 1 



folpet 0.06 0.1 


61990 Zimbabwe thiabendazole 4.2 5 

61996 S. Africa binapacryl 0.05 0.05 



62011 Uruguay thiabendazole 1.7 5 




62049 Uruguay folpet 0.03 0.1 





62079 S. Africa endosulfan-2 0.06 0.5 


62107 Spain methidathion 0.06 2 

1.1.10. Satsuma 



61646 Argentina carbendazim 0.08 5 







61719 S. Africa parathion 0.18 1 





61749 S. Africa malathion 0.10 2 


61756 S. Africa tolyfluanid 0.04 No MRL 

- 13 -


Table 2: 

Continued 



61757 Argentina malathion 0.11 2 




61853 Uruguay malathion 0.11 2 


61862 Uruguay thiabendazole 0.76 5 


61887 Peru carbendazim 0.27 5 


61915 Peru carbendazim 0.08 5 


61932 Peru thiabendazole 0.67 5 


62002 S. Africa malathion 0.04 2 


parathion 0.23 1 

62082 Spain methidathion 0.12 2 




1.1.11. Tangarine 

62030 Brazil thiabendazole 0.29 5 

1.3. Pome Fruit 1.3.1. Apple 

61520 France phosalone 0.13 2 


61522 France captan 0.08 3 


61524 France tolyfluanid 0.07 No MRL 

captan 0.09 3 


61527 Italy captan 0.08 3 


61551 France l-cyhalothrin 0.02 0.1 


61552 The Netherlands captan 0.08 3 

61566 United Kingdom carbendazim 0.09 2 


61580 France carbendazim 0.12 2 


61581 France thiabendazole 0.58 5 

phosalone 0.12 2 


- 14 -


Table 2: 

Continued 




61614 Portugal folpet 0.12 3 

captan 0.18 3 











folpet 0.11 3 

bifenthrin 0.05 No MRL 


captan 0.27 3 

61698 Brazil dimethoate 0.05 1 


captan 0.08 3 

61699 France bromopropylate 0.12 5 



captan 0.04 3 




61760 Brazil carbendazim 0.05 2 

folpet 0.09 3 

61763 New Zealand captan 0.03 3 

61783 Brazil captan 0.06 3 




azinphos-me 0.14 1 







61895 S. Africa phosmet 0.26 No MRL 


61916 New Zealand thiabendazole 0.08 5 

61929 Argentina carbendazim 0.46 1 

captan 1.2 3 

- 15 -


Table 2: 

Continued 




captan 0.05 3 



61953 S. Africa iprodione 0.74 10 



61995 France tolyfluanid 0.05 No MRL 


62016 France parathion-me 0.04 0.2 



1.3.2. Pear 

61521 The Netherlands carbendazim 0.08 2 

61533 Portugal phosmet 0.14 No MRL 

folpet 0.19 3 

captan 0.34 3 




captan 0.15 3 

folpet 1.5 3 

61565 Portugal captan 0.14 3 

phosmet 0.12 No MRL 

folpet 0.46 3 

61585 Portugal thiabendazole 2.0 5 

captan 0.05 3 

folpet 0.02 3 

61597 Portugal omethoate 0.06 0.5 

captan 0.08 3 

phosmet 0.12 No MRL 

dimethoate 0.09 1 



captan 0.68 3 

folpet 0.46 3 


61907 Argentina captan 0.44 3 

folpet 1.1 3 



61927 The Netherlands carbendazim 0.11 2 

captan 0.03 3 

procymidone 0.24 1 

61969 S. Africa phosmet 0.17 No MRL 


- 16 -


Table 2: 

Continued 



1.4. Stone Fruit 1.4.1. Apricot 

61903 Greece captan 0.18 2 


l-cyhalothrin 0.04 0.1 

1.4.2. Cherry 

61912 United States endosulfan-2 0.03 0.05 

endosulfate 0.03 0.05 

carbendazim 0.09 0.1 

61940 Turkey diazinon 0.07 0.3 

1.4.3. Nectarine 

61598 Chile iprodione 1.1 5 

61891 Spain phosalone 0.09 1 


61959 France iprodione 0.14 5 

1.4.4. Peach 

61806 Spain Captan 0.20 2 


61860 Spain endosulfan-1 0.00 0.5 

endosulfan-2 0.01 0.5 

endosulfate 0.01 0.5 



methamidophos 0.07 0.05 




iprodione 0.57 5 

61935 Spain dicofol 0.06 0.02 

1.4.5. Plum 

61615 S. Africa acephate 0.05 2 

61679 Chile chlorpyrifos 0.07 0.2 


61702 Chile carbendazim 0.09 0.5 




61799 Spain carbendazim 0.05 0.5 


acephate 0.44 2 

61832 Spain dimethoate 0.17 1 

61877 Spain acephate 0.26 2 

- 17 -


Table 2: 

Continued 



1.5. Berries & Small Fruit 1.5.1.1. Grapes 



61704 India carbendazim 0.88 2 

61759 India fenvalerate 0.08 0.1 

acephate 0.06 0.02 

61772 India chlorpyrifos 0.14 0.5 


captan 0.03 3 


omethoate 0.06 0.5 

acephate 1.4 0.02 

61944 Egypt iprodione 0.23 10 








62032 Greece parathion-me 0.07 0.2 

fenitrothion 0.03 0.5 



vinclozolin 0.31 5 

1.5.2.1. Strawberry 

61570 Morocco carbendazim 0.34 0.1 

captan 1.1 3 

dichlofluanid 0.97 10 

61781 Ireland iprodione 0.25 10 

61825 Ireland tolyfluanid 0.77 No MRL 

61841 Ireland chlorothalonil 0.08 3 






1.5.3.1. Blackberry 

61845 The Netherlands iprodione 1.3 5 

1.5.3.2. Raspberry 


- 18 -


Table 2: 

Continued 



1.5.4.2. Blueberry 

61621 Chile chlorothalonil 0.15 0.01 


iprodione 0.24 0.02 

1.5.4.3. Red Currant 

61974 Belgium vinclozolin 0.03 10 


tolyfluanid 0.04 No MRL. 

bromopropylate 0.03 0.05 

1.6. Miscellaneous Fruit 1.6.1. Avocado 

61727 S. Africa carbendazim 0.14 0.1 

1.6.2. Banana 

61591 Costa Rica thiabendazole 0.11 5 

61717 Costa Rica vinclozolin 0.02 0.05 

61735 Mexico thiabendazole 1.7 5 


61962 Windward Isles thiabendazole 1.1 5 

61985 Belize thiabendazole 0.50 5 



62067 Honduras thiabendazole 0.49 5 


62084 Belize folpet 0.01 0.1 


1.6.3. Fig 

61775 Brazil tolyfluanid 0.02 No MRL 

1.6.4. Kiwano 

61596 New Zealand chlorothalonil 0.06 0.01 

1.6.5. Kiwi 

61613 Italy vinclozolin 4.1 10 



61833 Chile Iprodione 0.05 5 

1.6.6. Kumquat 

61918 S. Africa malathion 0.04 0.5 

thiabendazole 0.22 0.05 

- 19 -


Table 2: 

Continued 



1.6.7. Litchi 

61852 Thialand cypermethrin 0.13 0.05 


1.6.8. Mango 



1.6.9. Papaya 

61776 Brazil chlorothalonil 0.04 0.01 

1.6.10. Passion Fruit 

61796 Kenya iprodione 0.16 0.02 


1.6.14. Tamarillo 

62047 Chile chlorothalonil 0.03 0.01 

2. Vegetables 2.1. Root & Tuber Vegetables 2.1.1. Carrots 

61577 Ireland iprodione 0.12 0.3 

61663 Spain binapacryl 0.03 0.05 

61674 Spain endosulfate 0.06 0.05 


61823 France binapacryl 0.02 0.05 


61977 France ppdde 0.03 0.05 

quintozene 0.04 No MRL 

62069 Ireland chlorfenvinphos 0.10 0.5 

2.1.2. Parsnip 





61648 Ireland dieldrin 0.08 No MRL 

chlorfenvinphos 0.24 0.5 



61820 Israel endosulfan-2 0.19 0.05 


2.1.4. Swede 

61930 Ireland chlorpyrifos 0.09 0.05 

62061 Ireland mevinphos 0.06 0.1 

- 20 -


Table 2: 

Continued 



2.2.2. Bulb Onion 

62111 Spain phosphamidon 0.07 0.2 

2.3. Fruiting Vegetables 2.3.1. Solanacea 2.3.1.2. Pepper 

61535 Spain endosulfate 0.05 1 


endosulfate 0.05 1 

61620 Morocco endosulfan-1 0.50 1 

endosulfate 0.75 1 

endosulfan-2 0.61 1 

61653 Spain vinclozolin 0.11 3 


2.3.1.3. Tomato 

61530 Canary Islands procymidone 0.07 2 

61572 Spain procymidone 0.19 2 





2.3.2. Cucurbits(edible peel.) 2.3.2.1. Courgette 

61519 Spain carbendazim 0.08 0.3 

2.3.2.2. Cucumber 


61560 Spain chlorothalonil 0.04 1 


2.3.3. Cucurbits(inedible peel.) 2.3.3.1. Melon 


61758 Morocco endosulfate 0.16 0.3 


2.4. Brassica Vegetables 2.4.1. Flowering Brassicas 2.4.1.1. Broccoli 

61768 Spain lindane 0.03 1 

2.4.2. Head Brassicas. 2.4.2.1. Head Cabbage 


61745 Spain lindane 0.22 1 

2.5. Leafy Vegetables 2.5.1. Lettuce and Similar 2.5.1.1. Lettuce 


demeton-s-me-sulfone 0.14 0.5 

propyzamide 0.06 1 

- 21 -


Table 2: 

Continued 




vinclozolin 0.27 5 


chlorothalonil 0.05 0.01 

folpet 0.04 2 

61680 France procymidone 0.09 5 

61737 Italy deltamethrin 0.07 0.5 

61740 Ireland cypermethrin 0.16 2 

deltamethrin 0.06 0.5 



2.5.2. Spinach and Similar 2.5.2.1. Spinach 

61642 Spain cypermethrin 0.60 0.5 

61746 Italy deltamethrin 0.22 0.5 


Cypermethrin 0.29 0.5 

2.5.5. Herbs 2.5.5.1. Lemongrass 

61976 Thailand propyzamide 0.17 1 

2.5.5.2. Parsley 

61649 Ireland chlorpyrifos 0.19 0.05 


61742 Ireland bifenthrin 0.09 No MRL 

61765 Italy bifenthrin 0.12 No MRL 

2.6. Legume Vegetables 2.6.1. Beans 2.6.1.1. Green Beans 

61616 Kenya dimethoate 0.04 1 

61911 Kenya bifenthrin 0.05 No MRL 

2.7. Stem vegetables 2.7.2. Celery 

61514 Spain dichlofluanid 0.08 5 

61537 Spain fenitrothion 0.30 0.5 

cypermethrin 0.13 0.05 

61563 Spain fenitrothion 0.05 0.5 

chlorothalonil 0.06 10 

61607 Spain folpet 0.07 0.1 

61654 Spain chlorothalonil 0.10 10 


62086 Ireland folpet 0.00 0.1 

2.7.3. Fennel 

61733 The Netherlands tolclofos-me 0.06 No MRL 

- 22 -


Table 2: 

Continued 



2.8. Fungii 2.8.1. Mushroom 

61947 Ireland lindane 0.02 1 

2.11. Potato 2.11.1. Potato 

61544 France tecnazene 0.07 No MRL. 

61661 Ireland thiabendazole 0.07 15 

61836 Ireland thiabendazole 0.12 15 

61885 Italy acephate 0.10 0.02 

ii 

Targeted Sampling Programme 

Eleven samples of fruit and vegetables were taken during 2002 as a follow up to MRL 

exceedances which occurred in 2001 and 2002. Five of the samples were taken as statutory 

samples. The results from the analysis of these samples is presented in Table 3 below. 

Three of the samples taken were of Irish origin while the remainder were imports from 

either EU or third countries. The samples analysed did not contain any pesticide residue in 

excess of a statutory MRL so no further enforcement action was required. 

Samples of fruit and vegetables which were found to contain pesticide residues in excess 

of the MRL from the 2002 sampling programme will be targeted for sampling in 2003. 

- 23 -


Table 3: Pesticide residues detected in targeted samples of fruit and vegetables, 2002 

Commodity Sample Follow up Country Residue Residue MRL 

number to sample of origin detected (mg/kg) (mg/kg) 

number 

Strawberry 61797 61338 from 2001 Ireland Iprodione 0.06 10 

Vinclozolin 0.1 5.0 

Tolyfluanid 1.56 No MRL 

Strawberry** 61824 61338 from 2001 Ireland Vinclozolin 0.07 5.0 

Kiwano** 61639 61596 from 2002 New Zealand No residue detected 

Kumquat** 61578 61513 from 2001 Israel Malathion 0.46 0.5 

Passion Fruit 61831 61220 from 2001 South Africa No residue detected 

Carrots 62132 69077 from 2002 Ireland Chlorfenvinphos 0.48 0.5 

Carrots 62133 61499 from 2001 Ireland Chlorfenvinphos 0.09 0.5 

Triazophos 0.02 0.02 

Pepper 61798 61620 from 2002 Morocco Endosulfan-1 0.06 1.0 

Endosulfate 0.05 

Endosulfan-2 0.07 

Lettuce** 61641 61540 from 2002 Spain No residue detected 

Spinach 61732 61642 from 2002 Spain Cypermethrin 0.01 0.5 

Celery** 61640 61537 from 2002 Spain No residue detected 

**= these samples were taken as statutory samples. 

iii 

Sampling of vegetable crops produced by growers participating in the An Bord 

Glas Quality Programme 

The An Bord Glas Quality Programme is targeted at both growers and pre-packers of fresh 

produce. It encompasses all the main sectors of production, including field vegetables, 

mushrooms, soft and top fruit, protected crops and potatoes. Participation involves 

implementation of quality systems designed to ensure that horticultural produce is 

produced and handled in accordance with best practices and procedures and complies with 

current regulatory requirements. The standards established are outlined in a series of 

Quality Manuals tailored to the specific needs of the individual sectors of the horticultural 

industry. 

Participants in the An Bord Glas Quality Programme are independently audited to assess 

compliance with the standards specified in the relevant Quality Manual(s). 

During 2002 some 144 samples of mainly vegetables, but including one strawberry and 2 

apple samples, were taken by An Bord Glas personnel from crops grown by or pre-packed 

by participants in the An Bord Glas Quality Programme. The samples were taken 

following harvest at point of packaging or assembly and were dispatched using a courier 

service to an accredited laboratory for analysis. The samples were analysed for 89 

pesticides and metabolites (Annex IX). The results obtained (Annex X) demonstrate that 

vegetables produced by Irish growers participating in the An Bord Glas Quality 

Programme have a lower pesticide residue content than those found in the general 

monitoring programme which includes both domestic and imported produce. 15.2% of 

samples submitted for analysis were found to contain pesticide residues. None of these 

samples contained a pesticide residue in excess of an MRL. 

- 24 -


B 

i 

CEREALS 


In 2002, 47 cereal samples (19 barley, 17 wheat, 5 oats, 3 processed oats, 2 processed 

wheat and 1 processed barley) of both domestic and imported origin were analysed for 

residues of 89 pesticides and metabolites (Annex V). One of the samples analysed, a 

French wheat sample, contained detectable residues of malathion while the remainder 

contained no detectable pesticide residues (Tables 4 and 5). MRLs are currently in place 

for 127 different pesticides 64 of which are not yet included in the monitoring programme. 

Table 4: Cereal samples analysed for their pesticide residue content in 2002 

Commodity No. Samples No. Domestic No. Residues 

Analysed Samples Imported* 

Samples > MRL ≤ MRL ND 

Wheat grain 17 5 12 0 1 16 

Barley grain 19 19 0 0 0 19 

Oat grain 5 5 0 0 0 05 

Wheat flakes 2 2 0 0 02 

Oat flakes 1 1 0 0 01 

Oat bran. 2 1 1 0 0 02 

Barley flakes 1 1 0 0 01 

Totals 47 31 16 0 1 46 

*ND = No residue detected 

Table 5: Pesticide residues detected in cereals in 2002 

Sample Country Residue Residue MRL 

number of origin detected (mg/kg) (mg/kg) 

Cereals 

1.0 Wheat 

62098 French Malathion. 0.09 8 

ii 


As there were no violations of MRLs in the years 1997 through 2001, targeted sampling 

of cereals and cereal products was not undertaken in 2002. 

- 25 -


C 

FOOD OF ANIMAL ORIGIN 

The monitoring programme in place is restricted to the sampling and analysis of fresh 

meat, milk, dairy products, eggs and honey of Irish origin. Bovine meat (130 fat samples), 

ovine meat (48 fat samples), porcine meat (52 fat samples), venison meat (2 fat samples), 

poultry meat (36 fat samples) and 13 samples of eggs were analysed for residues of 55 

pesticides, metabolites and for residues of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners 

[no’s 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180] (Annex VI). 54 samples of dairy produce were 

analysed for 55 pesticides and metabolites (Annex VII) and polychlorinated biphenyl 

(PCB) congeners [no’s 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180] while 14 samples of honey 

were analysed for 89 pesticide and metabolite residues. 

MRLs have been established for 104 pesticides of which 34 were included in the 2002 

monitoring programme. Samples are also analysed, as indicated above, for residues of the 

environmental contaminants polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PCBs are persistent 

organochlorine compounds which, in the past, were released into the environment from 

industrial sources but whose use has since largely been discontinued. These are included 

in the residue monitoring programme due to concerns associated with their presence in 

food and due to their links with polychlorinated dibenzodioxins. 

1 Bovine Meat 

i 


Details of the analytical results are presented in Table 6. Overall some 5.4% of the bovine 

samples analysed contained detectable pesticide or PCB residues. Some 4.6% of samples 

analysed contained detectable residues of DDT (as metabolite ppDDE) and 0.8% of 

samples contained a detectable residue of dieldrin. The residue levels detected were in 

trace amounts and were not considered significant from a consumer safety viewpoint. The 

origin of these trace organochlorine pesticide residues detected are considered to result 

from either background levels in soil as a consequence of the former use or intake through 

residual traces present in feeding stuffs. Generally, the quantities detected and reported 

reflect the sensitivity of the analytical methodologies currently used. No residues of 

PCB’s were detected in any of the samples analysed. 

Table 6: Pesticide residues detected in bovine kidney fat in 2002 


number of origin detected (mg/kg fat) (mg/kg fat) 

65952 Ireland ppdde 0.015 1 






66164 Ireland Dieldrin 0.007 0.2 

- 26 -


ii 


As there were no violations of MRLs in the past number of years, targeted sampling of 

samples of bovine meat was not undertaken in 2002. 

2 Ovine Meat 

i 


Details of the analytical results obtained are presented in Table 7. Some 7.6% of samples 

contained detectable residues. Residues of 2 different pesticides, DDT and HCB were 

detected. MRLs have been established for both of these compounds. Two of the samples 

containing detectable pesticide residues had a residue of a single pesticide while the 

remaining two each contained residues of 2 pesticides. The residues were not considered 

to be significant from a consumer safety viewpoint. The quantities detected and reported 

reflect the sensitivity of the analytical methodologies currently used. 

The residues detected were DDT (7.6% of samples) and HCB (3.8% of samples). Three 

of the DDT residues levels found reflect background levels present in soil while a fourth 

at 0.074mg/kg is consistent with contamination through the animal feed as it is higher than 

normally encountered. The two residues of HCB detected are at background levels. As 

HCB was never approved for use in Ireland so it is likely to have come from residual 

traces present in the imported constituents of animal feed. 

Table 7: Pesticide residues detected in ovine kidney fat in 2002 




66084 ppdde 0.003 1 

Ireland HCB 0.003 0.2 

66102 ppdde 0.003 1 

Ireland HCB 0.004 0.2 


ii 


As there were no violations of MRLs in the past number of years, targeted sampling of 

samples of ovine meat was not undertaken in 2002. 

- 27 -


3 Porcine Meat 

i 


Details of the analytical results obtained are presented in Table 8. Some 3.8% of samples 

contained detectable pesticide residues. Residues of 2 different pesticides, DDT (1.9% of 

samples) and dieldrin (1.9% of samples) were detected. MRLs have been established 

for both of these compounds. The residues were not considered to be significant from 

a consumer safety viewpoint. The quantities detected and reported reflect the sensitivity of 

the analytical methodologies currently used in the laboratory. 

Uses of both DDT and dieldrin have not occurred in Ireland for many years and residues 

of these pesticides generally arise from environmental contamination of soil due to former 

use. As pig production, in the main, takes place indoors it is likely that the residues of both 

DDT and dieldrin detected reflect background levels present in the animal feed. 

Table 8: Pesticide residues detected in porcine kidney fat in 2002 



65927 Ireland dieldrin 0.028 0.2 

66065 Ireland pp-dde 0.004 1 

ii 


There were no violations of MRL’s in 1999, 2000 orin 2001. No samples were targeted for 

analysis in 2002. 

4 Dairy Products 

i 


54 samples of milk were analysed. None of the samples analysed contained detectable 

pesticide residues. 

ii 


As there were no violations of MRLs for a number of years, targeted sampling of dairy 

produce was not undertaken in 2002. 

5 Venison 

2 samples of venison were analysed. Neither of the samples contained detectable pesticide 

residues. 

- 28 -


ii 

Targetted Sampling Programme 

As there were no violations of venison MRLs encountered in the past no targeting 

sampling was under taken in 2002. 

6 Poultry 

Details of the analytical results obtained are presented in Table 9. Thirty six samples 

of poultry fat were analysed for pesticide residues. Three samples (8.3 %) were found to 

contain detectable residues of lindane the only residue detected in the samples analysed. 

There was no residue present in excess of an MRL. 

Table 9: Pesticide residues detected in poultry fat in 2002 






These lindane residues were considered to have derived from trace contamination of 

poultry feed and were not considered to be significant from a consumer safety point of 

view. 

7 Eggs 

Eggs were analysed for the first time for pesticide residues during 2002. 13 samples of 

eggs were analysed. None of the samples contained detectable pesticide residues. 

ii 

Targetted Sampling Programme 

As egg MRL’s had not been exceeded no targeted sampling programme took place in 

2002. 

8 Honey 

Honey was analysed for the first time for pesticide residues in 2002. 14 samples of honey 

were analysed. None of the samples contained detectable pesticide residues from the 

current screen. 

ii Targeted Sampling Programme 

As honey MRL’s had not been exceeded no targeted sampling for honey took place in 

2002. 

D MISCELLANEOUS AND COMPLAINT SAMPLES 

- 29 -


There were five miscellaneous and three complaint samples analysed during 2002. The 

five miscellaneous samples were of flour and were submitted by Teagasc for pesticide 

residue analysis. Three complaint samples were submitted by consumers for analysis. The 

results of these analyses are presented in Table 10. All of the samples were free of residues 

with the exception of a carrot sample which was found to contain residues of 

chlorfenvinphos and diazinon. A follow up statutory sample of carrots was taken from the 

relevant grower to check the quality of the produce on sale. The statutory sample showed 

that the residues present were in compliance with statutory MRLs. 

Table 10: Pesticide residues detected in miscellaneous and complaint samples 2002 



Miscellaneous Samples 

69078 (wheat flour) Unknown none 





Complaint Samples 

69073 (kiwi) Unknown none 

69075 (Red pepper) Netherlands none 

69077 (carrot)** Ireland Chlorfenvinphos 1.2 0.5 

Diazinon. 0.21 0.2 

**= This sample consisted of a single carrot which does not consitute a proper sample. A 

subsequent statutory sample was taken to determine the residue levels present in these 

carrots. 

- 30 -


CONCLUSIONS 

A INTRODUCTION 

When assessing the impact for consumers of exposure through diet to pesticide residues, 

it is appropriate to consider the effects of both chronic exposure and acute exposure. For 

the purposes of assessing the effects of chronic exposure, the level of exposure over a 

lifetime and the likely effects on health of such exposure must be considered. The 

techniques necessary for such assessments are well developed and involve consideration 

of the mean levels of exposure likely in relation to the acceptable daily intake (ADI) values 

established for individual pesticides. ADI values, which are a measure of the maximum 

level of intake over a lifetime adjudged to result in no adverse toxicological effects, include 

a safety factor to ensure that the elderly, infants and children, and those whose systems are 

under stress because of illness are protected. 

For the purposes of assessing the effects of acute exposure, the highest levels of exposure 

likely (97.5th percentile exposure) over a single day and the effects on health of such 

exposure must be considered. The techniques necessary for such assessments are less well 

developed than those relating to chronic exposure. For commodities consisting of large 

sized units (e.g. melons) or medium sized units (e.g. citrus and pome fruit), it is necessary 

that the variability of residues in individual commodity units be taken into account due to 

the possibility that all of the sample residue was present in one unit, e.g. in one apple. For 

that purpose a variability factor “v” is applied to the maximum residue limits detected in 

the composite samples analysed to take account of the worst possible situation which may 

be encountered 12 . In assessing the effects of acute exposure, the level of exposure must be 

considered in relation to the acute reference dose (ARfD) value established for individual 

pesticides. ARfD values, which are a measure of the maximum level of intake over a day, 

judged to result in no adverse toxicological effects, include a safety factor to ensure that 

the elderly, infants and children and those whose systems are under stress because of 

illness are protected. To date ARfD values have been established for a limited number of 

pesticides. Procedures are still under development particularly at the FAO/WHO Joint 

Meeting for Pesticide Residues (JMPR) and at EU level with a view to improving the 

methodology used to establish ARfD’s. 

B ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME 

Inspection of the monitoring results for the year, which involved the analysis of some 949 

routine samples, 10 targeted samples, 5 miscellaneous samples, 3 complaint samples and 

10 variabiltiy samples, shows that some 32% of samples analysed contained quantifiable 

pesticide residues. 2.8% of these routine samples contained residues in excess of the 

statutory MRLs (Table 11). The levels present in most samples found to contain residues 

were extremely low. The presence of residues at such low levels reflects the sensitivity of 

current analytical techniques. The 2002 results, like those obtained in previous years, 

continue to show that while a significant proportion of the samples analysed contain 

pesticide residues the residue levels present are generally very low. 

An assessment of the relationship between ADIs and the level of residues in samples 

exceeding established MRLs (Table 12) demonstrates the extent of the risks associated 

12 Food consumption and exposure assessment of chemicals. Report of a FAO/WHO consultation, Geneva, Switzerland, 10-14 February 

1997, WHO/FSF/FOS/97.5. 

- 31 -


with dietary intake of such residues. The intake figures used for individual commodities 

are derived from the 96-98 IUNA dietary survey. The dietary intake assessment for 

chronically toxic pesticides was carried out using the mean consumption data while the 

intake assessment for the acutely toxic pesticides was carried out using the higher 97.5th 

percentile intake. Through use of such intake figures, all but the most extreme intake 

figures likely to arise have been taken into account when estimating the acute dietary 

impact of these residues for the consumer. 

Table 11: 

Samples containing pesticide residues exceeding Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) 

in 2002 

Commodity Sample Country Residue Residue MRL 

number of origin detected (mg/kg) (mg/kg) 

Lettuce 61540 Spain chlorothalonil 0.05 0.01 

Celery 61537 Spain cypermethrin 0.14 0.05 

Strawberry 61570 Morocco carbendazim 0.34 0.1 

Kiwano 61596 South Africa chlorothalonil 0.06 0.01 

Pepper 61620 Morocco endosulfan 1.9 1 

Blueberry 61621 Chile carbendazim 0.13 0.1 

chlorothalonil 0.15 0.01 

iprodione 0.24 0.02 

Spinach 61642 Spain cypermethrin 0.6 0.5 

Parsley 61649 Ireland chloropyriphos 0.19 0.05 

Carrot 61674 Spain endosulfan 0.06 0.05 

Avocado 61727 South Africa carbendazim 0.14 0.1 

Grapes 61759 India acephate 0.06 0.02 

Grapes 61772 India acephate 1.35 0.02 


Passion Fruit. 61796 Kenya iprodione 0.16 0.02 

Papaya 61776 Brazil chlorothalonil 0.04 0.01 

Parsnip 61820 Israel endosulfan 0.19 0.05 

Spinach 61803 Spain chlorpyrifos 0.42 0.05 

Peach 61863 France methamidophos 0.07 0.05 

Litchi 61852 Thialand cypermethrin 0.13 0.05 

Strawberry 61841 Ireland carbendazim 0.12 0.1 

Potato 61885 Italy acephate 0.1 0.02 

Kumquat 61918 South Africa thiabendazole 0.22 0.05 

Swede 61930 Ireland chlorpyrifos 0.09 0.05 

Peach 61935 Spain dicofol 0.06 0.02 

Red Currant 61974 Belgium phosalone 8054 1 

Grapes 61980 Spain chlorpyrifos 0.84 0.5 

Tamarillo 62047 Chile chlorothalonil 0.03 0.01 

Carrot** 60977 Ireland chlorfenvinphos 1.21 0.5 

diazinon 0.16 0.5 

**= This sample was submitted as a complaint sample. The sample however consisted of 

one carrot only and as such did not meet the sampling requirements. Sample number 

62132 (Table 3) was a follow up sample, taken in the correct manner, which was used 

to check if the carrots complied with the statutory MRL’s for chlorfenvinphos. No 

MRL exceedance was found. 

- 32 -


In the case of consumers exposed to residues of chronically toxic pesticides their health 

would only be at risk if their dietary intake exceeded the ADI every day for an extended 

period of time. Nevertheless, the fact that abuses occur and that residue levels in excess of 

the MRL continue to be detected, points to the need for the continuation and strengthening 

of the monitoring and violation investigation programmes. 

There was only one case in 2002 where the calculated chronic intake associated with an 

MRL exceedance exceeded the ADI. This occurred with a carrot complaint sample which 

was submitted for analysis by a consumer. In this case the ADI was only marginally 

exceeded. This carrot sample consisted of a single carrot and did not comply with the EU 

sampling requirements in terms of sample size. Produce from the carrot grower was re 

sampled according to the official sampling procedures and the follow-up sample (sample 

no. 62132, Table 3) when analysed was found to be compliant with the statutory MRL. 

There were no cases during 2002 when the estimated acute intakes associated with MRL 

exceedances were greater than the relevant ARfD toxicological end point. 

An evaluation of the monitoring results shows that the number of samples analysed in 2002 

has increased by 52% over the numbers analysed in 2001. The residue results obtained in 

2002 are still quite comparable to those of 2001. 

In cereals and in food of animal origin samples the number and levels of pesticide residues 

found are marginally lower than those found in 2001 but overall the pattern is considered 

to be comparable. 

The pesticide residue pattern in fruit and vegetables from 2002 is different in a number of 

ways to that found in 2001 in that, 

— a larger variety of fruit and vegetables were analysed, 72 in 2002 as opposed 

to 62 in 2001; 

— a larger number of pesticide residues were detected, 46 in 2002 as opposed to 

37 in 2001; 

— the % of imported produce sampled and analysed in 2002 monitoring 

programme was 81% while it was 71% in 2001; 

— the % of fruit and vegetables containing pesticide residues at 52% in 2002 is 

marginally higher than the 49.5% found in 2001. This difference is not 

considered to be significant; 

— the % of samples of fruit and vegetables containing pesticide residues greater 

than the MRL for 2002 at 4.8% is greater than that for 2001 where MRL 

exceedances were at 3.3% of samples analysed. This increase reflects the larger 

proportion of imported produce analysed. Imported fruit and vegetables have a 

higher % of MRL exceedances when compared to Irish produced produce; 

— the frequency at which pesticide residues were detected in fruit and vegetables 

during 2002 correspond with the pattern for 2001 where the most commonly 

detected pesticides were thiabendazole, carbendazim, captan and chlorpyrifos. 

Some changes noted in the 2002 results were that the use of methidathion on 

citrus has increased while residues of dimethoate were detected less frequently 

when compared to 2001. The use of dimethoate may have been affected by 

decisions taken in 2002 to modify the MRL’s for this pesticide. 

- 33 -


As part of the programme of work in 2002 a limited study was carried out to study the 

variability of pesticide residues present in individual sample units. This is important when 

dealing with acutely toxic pesticides as it is assumed that a high level of variability exists 

between the amounts of residue present in individual sample units. The normal variability 

factor used, at present, when assessing acute dietary intake is 7x. (e.g. a laboratory sample 

of apples consists of 10 individual apples. These apples are homogenised, analysed and the 

result is the mean of the residues present in all of the apples. Each apple is a unit and if 

analysed individually it is possible to determine the variability of the residues between 

apples. Variability = Ratio of mean unit residue: highest individual unit residue.). In 2002 

a sample of peaches were found to contain the acutely toxic pesticide methamidophos. 10 

individual peaches were taken from the same consignment and analysed individually. The 

results are presented in Table 13. Comparison of the mean residue with the highest residue 

found indicates that the variability applying to this sample was a factor of 2.3x. This result 

is in line with the results found by monitoring authorities in other Member States. This 

factor is considerably lower that the variability factor of 7x which would normally be 

applied to peaches in the event of an MRL exceedance. It is possible to conclude that the 

use of a variability factor of 7x, when carrying out acute dietary intake assessments is 

likely to overestimate the expected intake. 

The pesticide monitoring programme is considered to be limited with regard to the number 

of samples being taken for analysis and the number of pesticide residues being sought in 

these samples. Steps are being taken to increase the capacity of the monitoring programme 

and the 2003 programme will see the numbers of samples analysed increase by 33% over 

the number analysed during 2002. It is also planned to increase the number of pesticides 

being determined in samples during 2004. 

The current plans for the Pesticide Control Laboratory are 

i to increase the number of samples scheduled for analysis in 2003 to 1300. 

ii 

to increase the number of pesticides included in the monitoring programme from 

2004 onwards. 

iii to continue extend the range of pesticides for which MRLs are established. 

iv to reduce the time period between sample receipt in the laboratory and the results 

of the analysis. 

- 34 -


Table 12 : Relationship between excessive residue levels found and the ADI and ARfD levels for Irish Adults 

Sample Commodity Country Pesticide Residue. MRL ADI. ARfD Mean 97.5%ile Intake as Intake as 

no. of origin (mg/kg) (mg/kg) (mg/kg (mg/kg commodity diet a % of a % of 

bw/day) bw/day) Intake (kg/day) (kg/day) ADI ARfD. 

61540 Lettuce Spain Chlorothalonil 0.05 0.01 0.03 None required 0.007 0.026 0.02 Not required 

61537 Celery Spain Cypermethrin 0.14 0.05 0.05 None required 0.004 0.021 0.02 Not required 

61570 Strawberry Morocco Carbendazim 0.34 0.1 0.03 None required 0.014 0.086 0.26 Not required 

61596 kiwano South Africa Chlorothalonil 0.06 0.01 0.03 None required 0.003 0.01 0.01 Not required 

61620 Pepper Morocco Endosulfan 1.9 1 0.006 0.02 0.013 0.053 7 58 

61621 Blueberry Chile Carbendazim 0.13 0.1 0.03 None required 0.003 0.01 0.02 Not required 

Chlorothalonil 0.15 0.01 0.03 None required 0.003 0.01 0.03 Not required 

Iprodione 0.24 0.02 0.06 None required 0.003 0.01 0.02 Not required 

61642 Spinach Spain Cypermethrin 0.60 0.5 0.05 None required 0.0094 0.0393 0.19 Not required 

61649 Parsley Ireland Chlorpyrifos 0.19 0.05 0.01 0.1 0.0004 0.0024 0.01 0.05 

61674 Carrot Spain Endosulfan 0.06 0.05 0.006 0.02 0.0270 0.083 0.45 2.91 

61727 Avocado South Africa Carbendazim 0.14 0.1 0.03 None required 0.0123 0.03186 0.10 

61759 Grapes India Acephate 0.06 0.02 0.03 0.1 0.0195 0.14 0.07 1 

61772 grapes India Acephate 1.35 0.02 0.03 0.1 0.0195 0.14 1.5 3 

methamidophos 0.30 0.01 0.004 0.004 0.0195 0.14 2.4 18 

61796 passion fruit Kenya iprodione 0.16 0.02 0.06 None required 0.0030 0.01 

61776 papaya Brazil chlorothalonil 0.04 0.01 0.03 None required 0.0030 0.01 

61820 parsnip Israel endosulfan 0.19 0.05 0.006 0.02 0.0126 0.0475 0.67 5 

61803 Spinach Spain Chlorpyrifos 0.42 0.05 0.01 0.1 0.0094 0.0393 0.66 2 

61863 Peach France methamidophos 0.07 0.05 0.004 0.004 0.0428 0.205 1.19 40 

61852 Litchii Thailand cypermethrin 0.13 0.05 0.05 None required 0.0030 0.01 0.01 

61841 Strawberry Ireland Carbendazim 0.12 0.1 0.03 None required 0.0140 0.086 0.10 

61885 Potato Italy Acephate 0.10 0.02 0.03 0.1 0.1429 0.597 0.83 7 

61918 Kumquat S. Africa thiabendazole 0.22 0.05 0.1 None required 0.0030 0.01 0.01 

61930 Swede Ireland Chlorpyrifos 0.09 0.05 0.01 0.1 0.0200 0.064 0.29 1 

61935 Peach Spain Dicofol 0.06 0.02 0.002 0.015 0.0430 0.205 2.29 10 

61974 Red currant Belgium phosalone 8.54 1 0.02 0.3 0.0030 0.01 2.14 0.5 

61980 grapes Spain chlorpyrifos 0.84 0.5 0.01 0.1 0.0195 0.14 2.72 2.0 

62047 Tamarillo Chile chlorothalonil 0.03 0.01 0.03 None required 0.0030 0.01 0.01 

60977 Carrot ** Ireland chlorfenvinphos 1.21 0.5 0.0005 0.002 0.0270 0.083 108.90 83.7 

Diazinon 0.16 0.2 0.002 0.03 0.0270 0.083 3.60 0.7 

Comment: The intake calculations for chronic toxicity, for the above pesticide/crops, does not indicate an unacceptable risk to the consumer. 

In the case of passion fruit, papaya, Kiwano and blueberry the mean consumption was estimated to be 3 g/person/day as a default diet while the default 97.5th % diet was estimated to be 10g. 

In the case of celery the UK toddler 97.5th percentile consumption is determined to be 0.0088 kg/person/day. In the calculation the use of this dietary consumption figure would give an endosulfan intake which 

was 23.5% of the ARfD. 

In the case of cherry tomatoes the consumption data for “tomatoes” was used which overestimates the dietary intake for cherry tomatoes. 

**= A complaint sample which consisted of one single carrot. As the sample was a single carrot it does not comply with the definition of a sample and it is not possible to apply the MRL to the sample. A follow 

up sample, sample number 62132 (see Table 3), was taken to determine if the carrots complied with the statutory MRL. Sample number 62132 complied with the MRL. 

- 35 -


Table 13: 

Variability of methamidophos residues in peaches 

Variabilty of methamidophos residues in peaches 

Results (mg/kg) 

Individual peaches 

0.019 peach 1 

0.046 peach 2 

Highest residue detected 0.088 peach 3 

0.065 peach 4 

0.018 peach 5 

0.023 peach 6 

0.047 peach 7 

Lowest residue detected 0.013 peach 8 

0.043 peach 9 

0.017 peach 100 

Mean residue level 0.038 

Ratio of highest residue: mean residue 2.3 

Ratio of highest residue detected: lowest 

residue detected 5.2 

Calculated sample variability factor for 

methamidophos in peaches 2.3x 

This sample was taken as a follow up to sample number 61863 which contained a methamidophos residue of 

0.07 mg/kg. 

The Pesticide Control Service of the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Food 

Safety Authority will continue to have an ongoing dialogue, as part of the service contract 

between both organisations, with a view to optimising the annual monitoring programme 

for pesticide residues in food. This programme will continue to take account of the 

recommendations from the European Commission with respect to the range of crops and 

pesticides to be included in the programme. 

C VIOLATION INVESTIGATION PROGRAMME 

Targeted sampling of produce found to be in breach of established MRLs is the prime 

means of determining whether violations that occur result from the systematic misuse of 

pesticides or are isolated incidents. The repeated occurrence of excessive residue levels in 

particular food commodities, which would result in consumer safety being prejudiced, is 

clearly unacceptable. The violation investigation programme is geared to eliminate any 

such abuses. The programme is also designed to ensure that incidents where pesticide 

MRLs are exceeded are not repeated. 

In 2002 eleven targeted samples of fruit and vegetables were taken as part of the violation 

investigation programme. Samples of strawberry x2, kiwano, kumquat, passion fruit, 

carrots x2, pepper, lettuce, spinach and celery were taken for analysis. None of the samples 

analysed contained residues in excess of the MRL so no additional follow-on action was 

required. 

- 36 -


An examination of the results of the monitoring programmes for 2002 shows that the MRL 

exceedances for the 2002 were, in 21 out of the 27 samples found to exceed the MRL, 

associated with MRLs which have been set at the limit of determination. When MRLs are 

established at the limit of determination it signifies that there is either no legal use of the 

pesticide on that crop or that the legal use will not result in detectable residues being 

present in the harvested food. For those commodities that exceeded an MRL and were 

produced within the European Union the MRL breaches confirm that the pesticide was 

used illegally. In the case of 13 of the samples which exceeded the MRL and which were 

produced outside of the European Union no application has been made to modify the 

relevant European Union MRLs that were exceeded. The situation where EU MRLs are 

established which do not take account of 3 rd country GAP will continue to create problems 

for produce imported into the European Union. When such produce are found to contain 

pesticide residues which exceed the EU MRL they will be considered to be illegal and will 

be subject to penalty under the pesticide residue legislation. Ongoing consultations 

between the European Union and 3 rd countries are attempting to resolve these issues. 

An assessment of the dietary intake associated with the pesticide MRL exceedances 

detected in 2002 indicates that they did not present an unacceptable risk for Irish 

consumers. 

D CONCLUDING REMARKS 

The Department of Agriculture and Food and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland 

continue to be committed to the strengthening of the pesticide residue monitoring 

programmes in food, thereby, insofar as pesticide residues are concerned, ensuring the 

safety of food for consumers and ensuring the quality of produce offered for sale. 

This report was compiled through the efforts of J. Acton, J. Garvey, M. Lynch and D. O’Sullivan. 

The sampling and violation programme was effected by P. Carey, P. Killarney, M. B. Dolan, 

D. Murphy and members of the Dairy Science and Veterinary Inspectorates. The analytical 

results were generated by J. Acton, J. Garvey, Brid McHugh, J. McGannon, D. Carr, F. Morrin, 

M. Kelly, T. Walsh, D. Smyth, E. Connolly, J. Coloe, W. Cummins, E. Corbett, M. Graham, 

A. Ryan, D. Harris and T. Fuller. 

- 37 -


ANNEX I 

REGULATIONS FIXING MAXIMUM LEVELS FOR PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN 

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE 

11 European Communities (Pesticide Residues) (Fruit and Vegetables) Regulations 

1989, S.I. No. 105 of 1989 

12 European Communities (Pesticide Residues) (Fruit and Vegetables) (Amendment) 

Regulations 1997, S.I. No. 218 of 1997 





15 European Communities (Pesticide Residues) (Feeding stuffs) Regulations 1992, S.I. 

No. 40 of 1992 

16 European Communities (Pesticide Residues) (Products of Plant Origin, including 

Fruit and Vegetables) Regulations 1999, S.I. No. 179 of 1999 


Fruit and Vegetables) (Amendment) Regulations 1999, S.I. No. 458 of 1999 











13 European Communities (Pesticide Residues) (Foodstuffs of Animal Origin) 



(Amendment) Regulations 1999, S.I. No. 460 of 1999 





- 38 -






19 European Communities (Pesticide Residues) (Cereals) Regulations 1999, S.I. No. 

181 of 1999 

20 European Communities (Pesticide Residues) (Cereals) (Amendment) Regulations 










- 39 -


ANNEX II EC DIRECTIVES FIXING MAXIMUM LEVELS FOR PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN 

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE 

1 Council Directive of 23 November 1976 relating to the fixing of maximum levels for 

pesticide residues in and on fruit and vegetables. (76/895/EEC) OJ No. L340 of 

9.12.1976, 

and amending Directives - 

79/700/EEC of 24 July 1979 OJ No. L207 of 15.8.1979 

80/428/EEC of 28 March 1980 OJ No. L102 of 19.4.1980 

81/36/EEC of 9 February 1981 OJ No. L46 of 19.2.1981 

82/528/EEC of 19 July 1982 OJ No. L234 of 9.8.1982 

88/298/EEC of 16 May 1988 OJ No. L126 of 20.5.1988 

89/186/EEC of 6 March 1989 OJ No. L66 of 10.3.1989 

93/58/EEC of 29 June 1993 OJ No. L211 of 23.8.1993 

Corrigendum to 93/58/EEC OJ No. L219 of 24.8.1994 

96/32/EC of 21 May 1996 OJ No. L144 of 18.6.1996 

97/41/EC of 25 June 1997 OJ No. L184 of 12.7.1997 

2000/24/EC of 28 of April 2000 OJ No. L107 of 04.05.2000 

2000/42/EC of 22 of June 2000 OJ No. L158 of 30.06.2000 

2000/48/EC of 25 of July 2000 OJ No. L197 of 03.08.2000 

2000/57/EC of 22 of Sept 2000 OJ No. L244 of 29.09.2000 

2000/82/EC of 20 of Dec. 2000 OJ No. L3 of 06.01.2001 


2 Council Directive of 24 July 1986 on the fixing of maximum levels for pesticide 

residues in and on cereals. (86/362/EEC) OJ No. 221 of 7.8.1986 


88/298/EEC of 16 May 1988 OJ No. L126 of 20.5.1988 



95/39/EC of 17 July 1995 OJ No. L197 of 22.8.1995 

Corrigendum to 95/39/EC OJ No. L164 of 3.7.1996 



97/71/EC of 15 December 1997 OJ No. L347 of 18.12.1997 

98/82/EC of 27 October 1998 OJ No. L290 of 29.10.1998 







2000/82/EC of 20 of Dec 2000 OJ No. L3 of 06.01.2001 

2001/39/EU of 23 of May 2001 OJ No. L148 of 01.05.2001 

2001/48/EU of 28 of June 2001 OJ No. L180 of 03.07.2001 

2001/57/EU of 25 of July 2001 OJ No. L208 of 01.08.2001 

2002/23/EU of 26 of Feb 2002 OJ No. L64 of 07.03.2002 

- 40 -


ANNEX II Continued 

3 Council Directive of 24 July 1986 on the fixing of maximum levels for pesticide 

residues in and on foodstuffs of animal origin. (86/363/EEC) OJ No. L221 of 

7.8.1986 





Corrigendum of 95/39/EC OJ No. L164 of 3.7.1996 









2000/82/EC of 20 of Dec 2000 OJ No. L3 of 06.01.2001 




4 Council Directive of 27 November 1990 on the fixing of maximum levels for 

pesticide residues in an on certain products of plant origin, including fruit and 

vegetables. (90/642/EEC) OJ No. L350 of 14.12.1990 



Corrigendum to 93/58 EEC OJ No. L219 of 24.8.1994 



Corrigendum to 95/38/EEC OJ No. L155 of 28.6.1996 

95/61/EC of 29 November 1995 OJ No. L292 of 7.12.1995 











2000/58/EC of 22 of Sept 2000 OJ No. L244/78 of 29.09.2000 

2000/82/EC of 20 of Dec 2000 OJ No. L3/18 of 06.01.2001 



2001/48/EU of 28 of June 2001 OJ No. L180 of 03.07.2001 

- 41 -


ANNEX II Continued 


2002/5/EU of 30 of Jan 2002 OJ No. L34 of 05.02.2002 


5 Council Directive of 4 March 1991, amending Directive 74/63/EEC on undesirable 

substances and products in animal nutrition. (91/132/EEC) OJ No. L66 of 13.3.1991 

- 42 -


ANNEX III 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS 

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) 

An ADI is an estimate of the amount of a residue in food or 

drinking water, expressed on a body weight basis, that can be 

ingested daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk. 

The particular vulnerability of infants, children, the elderly and 

those whose systems are under stress because of ill-health, are 

taken into account, through application of a safety factor, when 

ADI values are established. 

ADI values are based on the no-adverse-effect level in the most 

sensitive animal species used in the toxicological experiments, 

or if appropriate data are available, in humans. Invariably, a 

safety factor to account for inter-species and intra-species 

variations is applied. Studies used as a basis for the identification 

of the relevant no-adverse-effect levels and hence for deriving 

ADI values, are conducted using active substance as 

manufactured. Accordingly the toxicological effects of 

impurities present in active substances are included in the 

assessment. Account is also taken of metabolites that may 

influence the toxicological significance of the residue reaching 

the consumer. 

Acute Reference Dose (ARfD) 

An ARfD is similar in nature to an ADI but it relates to intake of 

residues at one meal or on one day. 

The particular vulnerability of infants, children, the elderly and 

those whose systems are under stress because of ill-health, are 

taken into account, through application of a safety factor, when 

ARfD values are established. 

ARfD values are based on the no-adverse effect level in the most 

sensitive animal species used in the toxicological 

experimentation, or if appropriate data are available, in humans. 

ARfD values are derived from the results of those toxicological 

studies that are most relevant to short term exposure. 

Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) 

Lowest Calibrated Level (LCL) 

GAP in the use of a plant protection product (pesticide) includes 

authorized use under practical conditions necessary for effective 

control of harmful organisms. It encompasses a range of levels 

of application up to the highest level authorized, applied in a 

manner that leaves a residue that is the smallest amount 

practicable. 

The lowest concentration of a pesticide residue with which the 

detection system is calibrated for the purposes of determining 

the presence or absence of measurable residues. It normally also 

serves to define the reporting limit for individual pesticide 

residues. 

- 43 -


ANNEX III Continued 

Limit of Determination (LOD) 

Matrix Matched Calibration 

The LOD is the lowest concentration of a pesticide residue o 

contaminant that can be identified and quantitatively measured 

in a specified food, agricultural commodity or animal feed, with 

an acceptable degree of certainty by a method of analysis. 

A system involving use of calibration solutions to ensure that all 

constituents (other than the analyte) are similar to, or produce the 

same effect on analytical response as the equivalent solutions 

generated from the samples to be analyzed. 

The objectives of matrix-matched calibration are to compensate 

for analyte response enhancement or suppression effects induced 

by sample co-extractives and to provide a chromatogram that has 

underlying interference comparable to that of the sample. 

Matrix blanks are prepared using solvents, reagents and clean-up 

procedures similar to those used for analysis of samples to be 

analyzed. In practice the pesticide is added to a blank extract of 

a matrix similar to that to be analyzed. The matrix used may 

differ from that of the samples if it is shown to achieve the stated 

objectives. 

Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) 

An MRL is the maximum concentration of a pesticide residue, 

expressed in milligrams per kilogram, legally permitted in or on 

food commodities and animal feeds. MRLs are based on 

supervised residues trials data that reflect Good Agricultural 

Practice (GAP). MRLs established for particular food 

commodities are such that potential consumer exposure to 

residues is judged to be toxicologically acceptable. 

MRLs are fixed at or about the limit of determination, where 

there are no approved uses. 

MRLs are established on the basis of sound scientific 

knowledge. They are only established for those pesticides for 

which acceptable daily intake (ADI) values exist 

No-adverse-effect Level 

Pesticide Residue 

The no-adverse-effect level is the highest level of continual 

exposure to a chemical that causes no significant adverse effect 

on morphology, biochemistry, functional capacity, growth, 

development, or life span of individuals of the target species that 

may be animal or human. 

Any trace of a pesticide found in a sample, including any 

specified derivatives such as degradation and conversion 

products, metabolites and impurities, which are considered to be 

of toxicological significance and are included in the residue 

definition. 

- 44 -


ANNEX IV 

ANALYTICAL METHODS AND PROCEDURES EMPLOYED FOR THE 

DETERMINATION OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN FOODSTUFFS 

The methods of analysis currently used in the pesticide residue laboratory include 

those described hereunder. 

ii(i) 

Multi residue method 1, Analytical Methods for Pesticide Residues in 

Foodstuffs, 6th edition, 1996, General Inspectorate for Health Problems, 

Ministry of Public Health, Welfare and Sport, The Netherlands. The method is 

used to determine residues of organophosphorous, organochlorine and 

benzimidazole pesticides in food of plant origin. 

Note: A variation of the method is used. The variation involves addition of 

sodium sulphate at the time of sample extraction to facilitate the extraction of 

polar organophosphorous pesticides. 

i(ii) 

(iii) 

(iv) 

Multi residue method 1, Analytical Methods for Pesticide Residues in 

Foodstuffs, 6th edition, 1996, General Inspectorate for Health Problems, 

Ministry of Public Health, Welfare and Sport, The Netherlands. The variation of 

the method uses ethyl acetate as the extraction solvent and is used for the 

analysis of residues of organophosphorous, organochlorine and benzimidazole 

pesticides in cereals. 

The Becker method, A multi residue method for the simultaneous determination 

of plant protection chemicals in plant material, Dtsch. Lebensm. Rundsch. 75, 

148-152, 1979, using a gel permeation column instead of the silica gel/activated 

charcoal column specified. 

The method in use for the determination of organochlorine and organophosphorous 

residues in samples of fat is based on clean-up method number 5 

of the German Manual of Pesticide Residue Analysis (Volume 1 of 1987) and 

involves extraction with a mixture of acetonitrile and acetone, followed by 

clean-up using gel permeation chromatography column and alumina/silver 

nitrate micro columns (for organochlorine pesticides only). 

The method for the analysis of benzimidazole compounds in use is based on that 

developed by Hiemstra, M., J.A. Joosten and A. de Kok, J. AOAC Int. 78, 1267 -1274, 

1995. A fully automated solid-phase extraction cleanup and an on-line liquid 

chromatographic system, using a UV detector, is used for the determination of the 

benzimidazole fungicides carbendazim, benomyl and thiophanate-methyl (determined 

as carbendazim) and thiabendazole, in fruit and vegetables. 

- 45 -


Annex V 

Pesticides determined in Fruit, Vegetables, Cereals and Honey. 

Organochlorine 


Compounds. 

(in milligrams per kilogram – ppm) 

aldrin 0.03 

bifenthrin 0.06 

binapacryl 0.03 

bromopropylate 0.03 

captafol 0.02 

captan** 0.03 

α-chlordane 0.02 

γ-chlordane 0.02 

chlorothalonil** 0.02 

cyfluthrin 0.04 

λ-cyhalothrin 0.02 

cypermethrin 0.07 

deltamethrin 0.05 

pp’DDT 0.02 

op’DDT 0.02 

pp’DDE 0.02 

op’DDE 0.03 

pp’DDD 0.02 

op’DDD 0.03 

dichlofluanid 0.03 

dicofol 0.05 

dieldrin 0.02 

α-endosulfan** 0.02 

β-endosulfan 0.03 

endosulfate 0.02 

endrin 0.02 

fenarimol 0.05 

fenvalerate 0.06 

folpet 0.02 

HCB 0.02 

α-HCH 0.02 

β-HCH 0.04 

δ-HCH 0.02 

heptachlor 0.02 

heptachlor-epoxide 0.02 

iprodione 0.07 

lindane (γ-HCH) 0.02 

methoxychlor 0.04 

permethrin ** 0.2 

procymidone 0.1 

propyzamide 0.09 

quintozene 0.02 

tecnazene 0.03 

tetradifon 0.03 

tolyfluanid 0.03 

vinclozolin 0.02 

- 46 -


ANNEX V 

Continued 

Organophosphorous 


and other Compounds. 


Acephate 0.05 

Azinphos-methyl 0.1 

Azinphos-ethyl 0.1 

Bromophos-ethyl 0.05 

Bromophos-methyl 0.05 

Chlorfenvinphos 0.06 

Chlorpyrifos 0.06 

Chlorpyrifos-methyl 0.05 

Demeton-S-Me-sulfone 0.06 

Diazinon 0.05 

Dichlorvos 0.04 

Dimethoate 0.05 

Ethion 0.05 

Etrimfos 0.04 

Fenchlorphos 0.02 

Fenitrothion 0.04 

Fonofos 0.05 

Heptenophos 0.05 

Iodofenphos 0.03 

Isofenphos 0.05 

Malaoxon 0.05 

Malathion 0.04 

Methacrifos 0.04 

Methamidophos ** 0.04 

Methidathion 0.04 

Mevinphos 0.04 

Monocrotophos 0.05 

Omethoate ** 0.05 

Paraoxon 0.05 

Paraoxon-methyl 0.04 

Parathion 0.05 

Parathion-methyl 0.05 

Phosalone 0.1 

Phosmet 0.11 

Phosphamidon 0.04 

Pirimifos-ethyl 0.05 

Pirimifos-methyl 0.05 

Propetamphos 0.05 

Quinalphos 0.04 

Tolclofos-methyl 0.05 

Triazophos 0.03 

Thiabendazole ** 0.05 

Carbendazim ** 0.05 

**= These pesticides are not included in the scope of the accreditation granted by NAB 

in 2000. 

- 47 -


Annex VI 

Pesticides determined in Bovine, Porcine, Ovine, Poultry and Venison Kidney Fat. 



compounds & PCB 

(in milligrams per kilogram of fat – ppm) 

congeners 

Aldrin 0.006 

α-Chlordane 0.006 

β-Chlordane 0.006 

pp’DDT 0.005 

op’DDT 0.005 

pp’DDE 0.005 

op’DDE 0.005 

pp’DDD 0.005 

op’DDD 0.006 

Dieldrin 0.005 

Dicofol 0.01 

α-Endosulfan 0.005 

β-Endosulfan 0.006 

Endrin 0.005 

HCB 0.005 

α-HCH 0.005 

β-HCH 0.008 

δ-HCH 0.005 

Heptachlor 0.005 

Heptachlor-epoxide 0.005 

Lindane (γ-HCH) 0.005 

PCB 28 0.01 

PCB 52 0.01 

PCB 101 0.01 

PCB 118 0.01 

PCB 138 0.01 

PCB 153 0.01 

PCB 180 0.01 

Permethrin 0.04 

Quintozene 0.005 

Tecnazene 0.005 


Compounds. 



Azinphos-Ethyl 0.2 

Azinphos-Methyl 0.2 

Bromophos-Ethyl 0.1 

Bromophos-Methyl 0.1 



Chlorpyrifos-Methyl 0.1 

Diazinon 0.1 


- 48 -


Annex VI 

Continued 


Compounds. 




Ethion 0.1 




Malathion 0.1 



Parathion 0.1 

Parathion-methyl 0.1 

Phosalone 0.2 





- 49 -


Annex VII 

Pesticides determined in Milk 


Compounds and PCB 

Congeners. 



Aldrin 0.006 

α-Chlordane 0.006 

γ-Chlordane 0.006 

Dieldrin 0.005 

pp’DDT 0.005 

op’DDT 0.005 

pp’DDE 0.005 

op’DDE 0.005 

pp’DDD 0.005 

op’DDD 0.006 

Dicofol 0.01 

α-Endosulfan 0.005 

β-Endosulfan 0.006 

Endrin 0.005 

HCB 0.005 

α-HCH 0.005 

β-HCH 0.008 

γ-HCH 0.005 

Heptachlor 0.005 

Heptachlor-epoxide 0.005 

Lindane (γ-HCH) 0.005 

PCB 28 0.01 

PCB 52 0.01 

PCB 101 0.01 

PCB 118 0.01 

PCB 138 0.01 

PCB 153 0.01 

PCB 180 0.01 

Permethrin 0.04 

Quintozene 0.005 

Tecnazene 0.005 


Compounds. 



Azinphos-Ethyl 0.2 

Azinphos-Methyl 0.2 

Bromophos-Ethyl 0.1 

Bromophos-Methyl 0.1 



Chlorpyrifos-Methyl 0.1 

Diazinon 0.1 



Ethion 0.1 

- 50 -


Annex VII 

Continued. 


Compounds. 






Malathion 0.1 



Parathion 0.1 

Parathion-Methyl 0.1 

Phosalone 0.2 





- 51 -


ANNEX VIII SUMMARY OF THE RESULTS OF THE QUALITY ASSURANCE 

PROGRAMME FOR ANALYTICAL METHODS 

1. Fruit and Vegetables 

Organochlorine Pesticides 

The results of the recovery studies carried out are presented in terms of percentage 

mean recovery, standard deviation of the mean recovery and co-efficient of variation: 

63 samples [ Courgette (1), Strawberry (5), Carrot (6), Bean (6), Pea (1), Tomato (4), 

Lemon (1), Melon (3), Kiwi (3), Broccoli (2), Raspberry (1), Mango (1), Swede (1), 

Celery (2), Cucumber (6), Lettuce (2), Aubergine (2), Grape (1), Potato (2), Mushroom 

(1), Pepper (1), Spinach (2), Rhubarb (1), Pineapple (2), Apple (2), Plum (2), 

Blueberry (1), Honey (1)] were spiked with an organochlorine mixture (Mix 1) 

containing 14 different pesticides and metabolites. 

Mix 1 Concentration Mean Standard Co-efficient 

(mg/kg) Recovery (%) Deviation of Variation 

Aldrin 0.03 - 0.2 92.0 12.5 13.6 

Captan 0.03 - 0.2 98.8 15.9 16.6 

Chlorothalonil 0.02 - 0.13 93.5 16.9 18.1 

Cypermethrin 0.07 - 0.5 96.2 10.3 10.7 

Deltamethrin 0.05 - 0.34 95.4 11.4 11.9 

pp-DDD 0.02 - 0.14 93.6 11.2 11.9 

pp-DDE 0.02 - 0.12 94.0 13.5 14.4 

pp- DDT 0.02 - 0.14 93.4 10.7 11.5 

α- Endosulfan 0.02 - 0.13 90.9 14.2 15.6 

Endrin 0.02 - 0.13 95.0 10.8 11.4 

HCB 0.02 - 0.13 89.7 12.1 13.5 

Lindane 0.02 - 0.12 93.7 14.5 15.5 

Methoxychlor 0.04 - 0.26 94.0 10.3 10.9 

Permethrin 0.2 - 1.3 93.2 14.5 15.6 

17 Samples [Tomato (1), Bean (2), Cabbage (1), Melon (2), Raspberry (1), Mango (1), 

Tomato (1), Aubergine (2), Carrot (1), Spinach (1), Cucumber (1), Strawberry (2)] 

were spiked with a second organochlorine pesticide mixture (Mix 2) containing 12 

different pesticides and metabolites. 


(mg/kg) Recovery Deviation of Variation 

op-DDD 0.03 – 0.21 91.1 6.9 7.5 

op-DDE 0.03 – 0.20 95.1 4.4 4.7 

op-DDT 0.02 – 0.13 91.9 9.1 9.9 

Dieldrin 0.02 – 0.14 86.2 13.7 15.9 

Endosulfate 0.02 – 0.13 94.6 5.7 6.0 

Fenvalerate 0.06 – 0.40 96.5 6.9 7.1 

α-HCH 0.02 – 0.13 92.5 6.1 6.6 

Heptachlor 0.02 – 0.14 101.2 21.6 21.3 

Heptachlorepoxide 

0.02 – 0.13 93.5 4.6 5.0 

Iprodione 0.07 – 0.50 97.1 5.8 5.9 

Quintozene 

Tetradifon 

0.02 – 0.14 

0.03 – 0.2 

92.3 

92.3 

4.4 

4.3 

4.8 

4.6 

- 52 -


13 samples [Pea (1), Potato (3), Carrot (1), Tomato (2), Bean (1), Celery (1), Lettuce 

(1), Spinach (1), Cucumber (1), Pineapple (1)] were spiked with a third organochlorine 

mixture (Mix 3) containing 8 different pesticides and metabolites. 



Captafol 0.02 – 0.13 90.3 9.2 10.1 

Dicofol 0.05 – 0.33 84.9 9.5 11.2 

b-Endosulfan 0.03 – 0.20 92.7 8.7 9.4 

Fenarimol 0.05 – 0.33 95.9 8.4 8.8 

β-HCH 0.04 – 0.13 85.8 10.0 11.7 

δ-HCH 0.02 – 0.30 91.8 12.9 14.1 

Procymidone 0.10 – 0.66 96.4 14.5 15.0 

Tecnazene 0.02 – 0.13 80.6 14.1 17.5 

16 samples [ Strawberry (2), Bean (1), Kiwi (2), Grape (1), Raspberry (1), Tomato (1), 

Celery (1), Melon (2), Aubergine (1), Pepper (1), Rhubarb (1), Cucumber (1), Honey 

(1)] were spiked with a fourth organochlorine mixture (Mix 4) containing 9 different 

pesticides. 



Bifenthrin 0.06 – 0.40 95.9 4.1 4.3 

Binapacryl 0.03 – 0.20 95.2 5.3 5.6 

Bromopropylate 0.03 – 0.21 96.8 4.1 4.3 

Cyfluthrin 0.04 – 0.27 99.8 10.2 10.2 

λ-Cyhalothrin 0.02 – 0.15 94.7 4.6 4.9 

Diclofluanid 0.03 – 0.21 96.4 5.3 5.3 

Folpet 0.02 – 0.11 99.5 4.8 4.8 

Propyzamide 0.10 – 0.60 102.5 9.9 9.7 

Vinclozolin 0.02 – 0.11 96.8 4.9 5.1 

11 Samples [Courgette (1), Bean (1), Carrot (4), Strawberry (1), Broccoli (1), Spinach 

(1), Pineapple (1), Apple (1)] were spiked with a fifth organochlorine mixture (Mix 5) 

containing 3 different pesticides. 



α-Chlordane 0.02 – 0.13 94.5 9.2 9.7 

γ-Chlordane 0.02 – 0.13 94.0 9.6 10.3 

Tolyfluanid 0.02 – 0.13 93.2 9.6 10.3 

- 53 -


Organophosphorous Pesticides 



66 samples [Courgette (1), Strawberry (6), Tomato (4), Lemon (1), Bean (6), Pea (1), 

Mangetout (1), Melon (3), Raspberry (1), Carrot (10), Potato (2), Kiwi (2), Broccoli 

(2), Mango (1), Cucumber (4), Swede (1), Celery (1), Lettuce (2), Aubergine (3), 

Mushroom (1), Sweet Potato (1), Grape (1), Pepper (1), Spinach (2), Rhubarb (1), 

Pineapple (2), Apple (2), Plum (1), Honey (1)] of fruit and vegetables were spiked with 

an organophosphorous pesticide mixture (Mix 20) containing 13 different pesticides. 



Azinphos-Me 0.10 – 0.60 97.6 10.4 10.6 

Chlorpyrifos 0.06 – 0.30 95.6 8.5 8.9 

Chlorfenvinphos 0.06 – 0.32 95.3 10.7 11.2 

Diazinon 0.05 – 0.26 97.9 9.7 10.0 

Dimethoate 0.05 – 0.27 99.0 11.0 11.2 

Ethion 0.05 – 0.26 99.1 10.3 10.4 

Malathion 0.05 – 0.26 96.3 9.3 9.6 

Metamidaphos 0.04 – 0.20 92.2 44.1 47.8 

Methidathion 0.04 – 0.21 97.3 10.6 10.9 

Omethoate 0.05 – 0.27 86.0 17.0 19.8 

Phosmet 0.11 – 0.56 96.5 11.8 12.1 

Tolclofos-Me 0.05 – 0.25 94.9 8.7 9.2 

Triazophos 0.03 – 0.16 98.4 11.0 11.2 

16 samples [Tomato (2), Bean (2), Cabbage (1), Melon (2), Raspberry (1), Mango (1), 

Aubergine (2), Carrot (1), Spinach (1), Cucumber (1), Strawberry (1)] were spiked 

with a second organophosphorous pesticide mixture (Mix 21) containing 11 different 

pesticides and metabolites. 



Azinphos-et 0.10 – 0.47 96.4 5.8 6.0 

Dichlorvos 0.04 – 0.20 79.1 12.8 16.2 

Heptenophos 0.05 – 0.24 92.5 9.1 9.9 

Iodofenphos 0.03 – 0.16 92.9 6.3 6.8 

Mevinphos 0.04 – 0.19 91.1 9.4 10.3 

Paraoxon 0.05 – 0.24 92.2 6.8 7.3 

Paraoxon-me 0.04 – 0.18 91.7 5.9 6.4 

Parathion 0.05 – 0.24 95.6 6.6 6.9 

Phosphamidon 0.04 – 0.20 93.4 6.3 6.7 

Phosalone 0.10 – 0.50 95.9 6.0 6.2 

Quinalphos 0.04 – 0.19 96.8 5.4 5.5 

- 54 -


19 samples [Strawberry (2), Pea (1), Potato (1), Carrot (2), Tomato (2), Celery (1), 

Cabbage (1), Aubergine (1), Bean (3), Lettuce (1), Mushroom (1), Apple (2), Honey 

(1)] were spiked with a third organophosphorous mixture (Mix 22) containing 6 

different pesticides. 



Acephate 0.05 – 0.25 83.9 16.8 20.0 

Bromophos-me 0.05 – 0.25 95.2 10.6 11.1 

Isofenphos 0.05 – 0.23 125.1 53.4 42.7 

Fenchlorphos 0.02 – 0.10 96.1 6.9 7.2 

Malaoxon 0.05 – 0.23 96.8 8.2 8.4 

Propetamphos 0.05 – 0.24 1110.1 14.0 12.7 

Note: the information generated indicates that the pesticide Isofenphos is not easy to analyse and if 

encountered in samples special care should be taken when interpreting results. 

14 samples [Mangetout (1), Kiwi (2), Plum (1), Carrot (2), Sweet Potato (1), Pepper 

(1), Potato (1), Spinach (1), Cucumber (1), Strawberry (1), Pineapple (1)] were spiked 

with a fourth organophosphorous pesticide mixture (Mix 23) containing 6 different 

pesticides. 



Bromophos-Et 0.05 – 0.24 96.7 7.0 7.2 

Chlorpyrifos-Me 0.05 – 0.23 96.6 7.9 8.2 

Methacrifos 0.01 – 0.21 90.1 11.1 12.3 

Pirimphos-Et 0.05 – 0.23 100.3 7.9 7.9 

Pirimphos-Me 0.05 – 0.23 96.7 6.4 6.6 

13 samples [Courgette (1), Broccoli (2), Carrot (2), Lettuce (1), Bean (2), Grape (1), 

Melon (1), Cucumber (1), Rhubarb (1), Pineapple (1)] were spiked with a fifth 

organophosphorous pesticide mixture (M24) containing 5 different pesticides. 



Demeton-S-Me-Sulfone 0.05 – 0.25 100.4 10.6 10.6 

Fenithrothion 0.04 – 0.22 99.0 8.7 8.8 

Fonofos 0.05 – 0.25 309.4 446.7 144.4 

Monocrotophos 0.05 – 0.27 97.3 8.0 8.2 

Parathion-Me 0.05 – 0.25 97.2 5.0 5.2 

Note: As in the case of Isofenphos the recover data for Fonophos indicates that if residues of this pesticide 

are detected in samples special care should be taken when interpreting the results. 

- 55 -


Benzimidazole Pesticides 

117 samples of different crop matrices were spiked with a mixture containing the 2 

benzimidazole pesticides. 



Carbendazim 0.01 – 2.0 97.0 19.5 20.0 

Thiabendazole 0.01 – 2.0 99.3 13.9 14.0 

2. Cereals 

Organochlorine Pesticides 



6 samples [Wheat (4), Barley (1), Barley flakes (1)] were spiked with an 

organochlorine pesticide mixture (Mix 1) containing 14 different pesticides and 

metabolites. 



Aldrin 0.03- 0.2 92.0 12.5 13.6 

Captan 0.03- 0.2 98.8 15.9 16.6 

Chlorothalonil 0.02- 0.13 93.5 16.9 18.1 

Cypermethrin 0.07- 0.5 96.2 10.3 10.7 

Deltamethrin 0.05- 0.34 95.4 11.4 11.9 

pp-DDD 0.02- 0.14 93.6 11.2 11.9 

pp-DDE 0.02- 0.12 94.0 13.5 14.4 

pp- DDT 0.02- 0.14 93.4 10.7 11.5 

α- Endosulfan 0.02- 0.13 90.9 14.2 15.6 

Endrin 0.02- 0.13 95.0 10.8 11.4 

HCB 0.02- 0.13 89.7 12.1 13.5 

Lindane 0.02- 0.12 93.7 14.5 15.5 

Methoxychlor 0.04- 0.26 94.0 10.3 10.9 

Permethrin 0.2- 1.3 93.2 14.5 15.6 

- 56 -


2 samples [Barley (1), Wheat (1)] were spiked with a second organochlorine pesticide 




op-DDD 0.03 – 0.21 97.5 12.9 13.2 

op-DDE 0.03 – 0.20 102.3 8.4 8.2 

op-DDT 0.02 – 0.13 103.3 10.1 9.8 

Dieldrin 0.02 – 0.14 100.0 7.9 7.9 

Endosulfate 0.02 – 0.13 102.6 9.7 9.4 

Fenvalerate 0.06 – 0.40 103.9 10.9 10.5 

α-HCH 0.02 – 0.13 97.4 18.1 18.5 

Heptachlor 0.02 – 0.14 99.3 14.1 14.2 

Heptachlor 

-epoxide 0.02 – 0.13 99.8 12.4 12.4 

Iprodione 0.07 – 0.50 104.7 9.9 9.5 

Quintozene 0.02 – 0.14 98.1 18.1 18.5 

Tetradifon 0.03 – 0.2 101.7 11.0 10.8 

1 sample [Barley flakes (1) ] was spiked with a third organochlorine pesticide mixture 

(Mix 3) containing 8 different pesticides and metabolites. 



Captafol 0.02 – 0.13 67.8 

Dicofol 0.05 – 0.33 83.9 

β-Endosulfan 0.03 – 0.20 85.2 

Fenarimol 0.05 – 0.33 97.3 

β-HCH 0.04 – 0.13 88.3 

δ-HCH 0.02 – 0.30 85.1 

Procymidone 0.10 – 0.66 83.4 

Tecnazene 0.02 – 0.13 81.6 

1 sample [Wheat (1)] was spiked with a fourth organochlorine pesticide mixture (Mix 

4) containing 9 different pesticides. 



Bifenthrin 0.06 – 0.40 93.4 

Binapacryl 0.03 – 0.20 85.9 

Bromopropylate 0.03 – 0.21 95.4 

Cyfluthrin 0.04 – 0.27 109.7 

λ-Cyhalothrin 0.02 – 0.15 110.7 

Diclofluanid 0.03 – 0.21 75.0 

Folpet 0.02 – 0.11 86.6 

Propyzamide 0.10 – 0.60 93.9 

Vinclozolin 0.02 – 0.11 96.4 

- 57 -


1 sample [Wheat (1)] was spiked with a fifth organochlorine pesticide mixture (Mix 5) 

containing 3 pesticides and metabolites. 



α-Chlordane 0.02 – 0.13 91.6 

γ-Chlordane 0.02 – 0.13 90.2 

Tolyfluanid 0.02 – 0.13 92.3 




6 samples [Wheat (4), Barley (1), Barley flakes (1)] were spiked with an 

organophosphorous pesticide mixture (Mix 20) containing 13 different pesticides and 

metabolites. 



Acephate 0.05 – 0.25 82.2 11.4 13.8 

Azinphos-Me 0.10 – 0.60 97.8 15.9 16.3 

Chlorpyrifos 0.06 – 0.30 93.7 5.4 5.8 


Diazinon 0.05 – 0.26 94.1 6.5 6.9 

Dimethoate 0.05 – 0.27 90.9 7.4 8.1 

Ethion 0.05 – 0.26 95.8 5.0 5.2 

Malathion 0.05 – 0.26 94.8 6.2 6.6 

Methidathion 0.04 – 0.21 93.0 6.4 6.9 

Omethoate 0.05 – 0.27 88.1 15.3 17.4 

Phosmet 0.11 – 0.56 92.1 5.9 6.4 

Tolclofos-Me 0.05 – 0.25 93.8 6.1 6.6 

Triazophos 0.03 – 0.16 97.6 5.4 5.6 

2 samples [Barley (1), Wheat (1)] were spiked with a second organophosphorous 

pesticide mixture (Mix 21) containing 11 different pesticides and metabolites. 



Azinphos-Et 0.10 – 0.47 129.2 25.3 19.6 

Dichlorvos 0.04 – 0.20 105.5 24.2 22.9 

Heptenophos 0.05 – 0.24 122.3 20.7 16.9 


Mevinphos 0.04 – 0.19 106.5 26.8 25.1 

Paraoxon 0.05 – 0.24 119.6 20.2 16.9 

Paraoxon-Me 0.04 – 0.18 109.2 20.2 18.5 

Parathion 0.05 – 0.24 126.5 24.0 19.0 

Phosphamidon 0.04 – 0.20 123.5 21.1 17.0 

Phosalone 0.10 – 0.50 132.0 24.7 18.7 

Quinalphos 0.04 – 0.19 128.4 23.3 18.2 

- 58 -


1 sample [Barley flakes (1)] was spiked with a third organophosphorous pesticide 




Bromophos-Me 0.05 – 0.25 86.8 

Isofenphos 0.05 – 0.23 104.6 

Fenchlorphos 0.02 – 0.10 85.7 

Malaoxon 0.05 – 0.23 84.8 

Metamidaphos 0.04 – 0.20 52.6 

Propetamphos 0.05 – 0.24 91.5 

1 sample [Wheat (1)] was spiked with a fourth organophosphorous pesticide mixture 

(Mix 23) containing 5 different pesticides. 



Bromophos-Et 0.05 – 0.24 92.1 

Chlorpyrifos-Me 0.05 – 0.23 92.4 

Methacrifos 0.01 – 0.21 87.4 

Pirimphos-Et 0.05 – 0.23 100.7 

Pirimphos-Me 0.05 – 0.23 92.7 

1 sample [Wheat (1)] was spiked with a fifth organophosphorous pesticide mixture 

(Mix 24) containing 5 pesticides. 



Demeton-S-Me-Sulfone 0.05 – 0.25 85.8 

Fenithrothion 0.04 – 0.22 89.2 

Fonofos 0.05 – 0.25 90.1 

Monocrotophos 0.05 – 0.27 95.9 

Parathion-Me 0.05 – 0.25 87.4 

- 59 -


3 Food of Animal Origin 

i. Meat Fat 

Organochlorine Pesticides (OC) 



33 samples [Bovine (16), Porcine (4), Ovine (6), Avian (7)] were spiked with an 

organochlorine pesticide mixture (Mix A) containing 9 different pesticides and 

metabolites. 

Mix A Concentration Mean Standard Co-efficient 


pp-DDD 0.02- 0.14 85.9 11.4 13.3 

pp-DDE 0.02- 0.12 90.7 11.4 12.6 

pp- DDT 0.02- 0.14 88.1 11.0 12.5 

α - Endosulfan 0.02- 0.13 88.3 9.9 11.2 

Endrin 0.02- 0.13 95.7 15.7 16.4 

HCB 0.02- 0.13 85.4 10.7 12.6 

Lindane 0.02- 0.12 91.2 10.7 12.6 

Methoxychlor 0.04- 0.26 90.3 13.2 11.3 

Permethrin 0.2- 1.3 90.0 13.2 14.7 

12 samples [Bovine (6), Porcine (1) Ovine (2), Avian (3)] were spiked with a second 

organochlorine pesticide mixture (Mix B) containing 8 different pesticides and 

metabolites. 

Mix B Concentration Mean Standard Co-efficient 


op-DDD 0.006 – 0.042 85.9 11.1 12.4 

op-DDE 0.006 – 0.040 89.3 11.0 12.3 

op-DDT 0.005 – 0.026 87.9 11.0 12.5 

α-HCH 0.005 – 0.026 88.6 14.3 16.1 

Dieldrin 0.005 – 0.028 94.4 12.8 13.5 

Heptachlor 0.005 – 0.028 68.7 15.9 23.1 

Heptachlor 

-epoxide 0.005 – 0.026 90.8 13.3 14.7 

Quintozene 0.005 – 0.028 88.4 14.3 16.2 

- 60 -


27 samples [Bovine (9), Porcine (7) Ovine (5), Avian (5), Venison (1)] were spiked with 

a third organochlorine pesticide mixture (Mix C) containing 5 different pesticides and 

metabolites. 

Mix C Concentration Mean Standard Co-efficient 


Dicofol 0.005 – 0.026 27.8 16.3 58.7 

β-Endosulfan 0.006 – 0.038 58.5 26.4 45.2 

β-HCH 0.008 – 0.052 88.4 4.71 5.33 

δ-HCH 0.005 – 0.026 71.7 14.5 20.2 

Tecnazene 0.005 – 0.026 89.6 8.0 8.9 

Note: Due to the high RSD’s for dicofol and β-endosulfan any results for these pesticides found in food of 

animal origin samples would have to be interpreted with care. No residues were found in 2002. 




43 samples [Bovine (22), Porcine (4), Ovine (8), Avian (8), Venison (1)] were spiked 

with an organophosphorous pesticide mixture (Mix E) containing 9 different pesticides. 

Mix E Concentration Mean Standard Co-efficient 


Azinphos-Me 0.22 – 1.10 92.4 14.7 15.9 

Chlorpyrifos 0.10 – 0.47 89.5 11.7 13.1 


Diazinon 0.10 – 0.52 85.1 16.8 19.7 

Dimethoate 0.10 – 0.53 92.6 14.0 15.2 

Ethion 0.10 – 0.51 87.1 8.9 10.2 

Malathion 0.11 – 0.56 88.3 8.7 9.9 

Methidathion 0.08 – 0.34 92.5 11.8 12.8 

Triazophos 0.03 – 0.15 89.4 11.8 13.1 

- 61 -


29 samples [Bovine (13), Porcine (6) Ovine (3), Avian (7)] were spiked with a second 

organophosphorous pesticide mixture (Mix F) containing 10 pesticides. 

Mix F Concentration Mean Standard Co-efficient 


Azinphos-Et 0.20 – 0.94 82.0 14.1 17.2 

Dichlorvos 0.08 – 0.40 87.1 19.4 22.3 

Fenchlorophos 0.04 – 0.20 86.5 11.6 13.4 


Mevinphos 0.08 – 0.38 92.8 14.8 16.0 

Parathion 0.10 – 0.48 87.2 13.1 15.0 

Parathion-Me 0.10 – 0.50 88.4 13.0 14.7 

Pirimphos-Et 0.10 – 0.45 86.4 10.8 12.5 

Propetamphos 0.10 – 0.47 90.6 16.0 17.7 

Phosalone 0.20 – 0.94 82.2 13.9 16.9 

19 samples [Bovine (8), Porcine (7) Ovine (1), Avian (3)] were spiked with a third 

organophosphorous pesticide mixture (Mix G) containing 5 pesticides. 

Mix G Concentration Mean Standard Co-efficient 


Bromophos-et 0.10 – 0.47 85.0 10.0 11.8 

Bromophos-Me 0.10 – 0.49 86.4 11.0 12.8 



Pirimphos-Me 0.08 – 0.44 85.5 10.7 12.5 

11 samples [Bovine (5), Porcine (4), Ovine (1), Avian (1)] were spiked with PCB 

mixture 3 containing 7 different PCB congeners. 

PCB Mix 3 Concentration Mean Standard Co-efficient 


PCB 28 0.01 – 0.05 95.2 21.8 22.9 

PCB 52 0.01 – 0.05 91.6 17.6 19.3 

PCB 101 0.01 – 0.05 89.2 15.5 17.3 

PCB 118 0.01 – 0.05 87.7 17.9 20.4 

PCB 153 0.01 – 0.05 85.2 16.0 18.8 

PCB 138 0.01 – 0.05 86.3 17.7 20.5 

PCB 180 0.01 – 0.05 81.9 16.8 20.5 

- 62 -


ii 

Milk 

Dairy Produce 



11 samples of milk were spiked with an organochlorine pesticide mixture (Mix A) 

containing 9 pesticides and metabolites. 



Aldrin 0.005-0.02 75.8 5.1 6.7 

pp-DDD 0.005-0.026 79.9 5.8 7.3 

pp-DDE 0.005-0.024 83.2 6.7 8.0 

pp- DDT 0.005-0.028 79.6 7.5 9.5 

α - Endosulfan 0.005-0.026 79.8 5.6 7.0 

Endrin 0.005-0.026 90.4 13.8 15.3 

HCB 0.005-0.026 71.4 9.2 12.9 

Lindane 0.005-0.024 78.6 5.5 7.0 

Methoxychlor 0.008-0.052 84.1 7.5 9.5 

Permethrin 0.05-0.26 74.4 11.7 17.7 

1 sample of milk was spiked with organochlorine mixture, Mix B, containing 8 

different pesticides and metabolites. 



op-DDD 0.006 – 0.042 79.6 

op-DDE 0.006 – 0.040 78.0 

op-DDT 0.005 – 0.026 78.7 

α -HCH 0.005 – 0.026 77.1 

Dieldrin 0.005 – 0.028 78.9 

Heptachlor 0.005 – 0.028 60.4 

Heptachlor-epoxide 0.005 – 0.026 75.4 

Quintozene 0.005 – 0.028 74.9 

1 sample of milk was spiked with the organochlorine pesticide mixture, Mix C, 

containing 5 different pesticides and metabolites. 




β-Endosulfan 0.006 – 0.038 18.6 

β-HCH 0.008 – 0.052 95.4 

δ-HCH 0.005 – 0.026 61.3 

Tecnazene 0.005 – 0.026 80.6 

Note: Low recoveries for dicofol and B-endosulfan indicates that if any residues were detected then the 

results would require careful interpretation. No such residues were detected during 2002. 


- 63 -




14 samples of milk were spiked with an organophosphorous pesticide mixture (Mix E) 

containing 9 pesticides. 



Azinphos-Me 0.22 – 1.10 87.0 14.1 16.2 

Chlorpyrifos 0.10 – 0.47 81.5 8.9 10.9 


Diazinon 0.10 – 0.52 86.0 11.9 13.9 

Dimethoate 0.10 – 0.53 82.8 15.8 19.1 

Ethion 0.10 – 0.51 81.1 8.9 10.9 

Malathion 0.11 – 0.56 83.6 8.7 10.5 

Methidathion 0.08 – 0.34 86.4 10.5 12.1 

Triazophos 0.03 – 0.15 83.8 12.8 15.3 

4 samples of milk were spiked with an organophosphorous pesticide mixture (Mix F) 

containing 10 pesticides. 

Mix F Concentration Mean Standard Co-efficient 


Azinphos-Et 0.20 – 0.94 76.8 10.1 13.2 

Dichlorvos 0.08 – 0.40 107.5 8.9 8.3 

Fenchlorophos 0.04 – 0.20 80.8 10.0 12.3 


Mevinphos 0.08 – 0.38 84.1 22.7 27.0 

Parathion 0.10 – 0.48 79.4 8.4 10.5 

Parathion-Me 0.10 – 0.50 81.9 8.1 10.0 

Pirimphos-Et 0.10 – 0.45 78.9 9.7 12.3 

Propetamphos 0.10 – 0.47 84.9 12.8 15.0 

Phosalone 0.20 – 0.94 78.4 11.4 14.5 

3 samples of milk were spiked with an organophosphorous pesticide mixture (Mix G) 

containing 5 pesticides 



Bromophos-Et 0.10 – 0.47 86.6 5.3 6.1 

Bromophos-Me 0.10 – 0.49 90.3 6.4 7.1 



Pirimphos-Me 0.08 – 0.44 87.3 8.7 9.9 

5 samples of milk were spiked with a PCB mixture, PCB Mix 3, which contained 7 

- 64 -


different PCB congeners. 



PCB 28 0.01 – 0.05 78.9 3.5 4.4 

PCB 52 0.01 – 0.05 78.8 4.7 6.0 

PCB 101 0.01 – 0.05 78.0 4.8 6.2 

PCB 118 0.01 – 0.05 80.0 4.4 5.4 

PCB 153 0.01 – 0.05 75.8 4.8 6.3 

PCB 138 0.01 – 0.05 76.7 4.5 5.9 

PCB 180 0.01 – 0.05 73.7 4.6 6.2 

iii 

Poultry Produce 

Eggs. 

2 samples of eggs were spiked with the organochlorine pesticide mixture, Mix A, 

containing 10 different pesticides and metabolites. All spiking was carried out at a 

single concentration. 



Aldrin 0.005 79.5 3.3 4.2 

pp-DDD 0.005 93.0 3.5 3.7 

pp-DDE 0.005 106.3 12.7 11.9 

pp- DDT 0.005 51.9 65.9 128.8 

α- Endosulfan 0.005 128 37.4 29.2 

Endrin 0.005 160.1 92.1 57.6 

HCB 0.005 79,9 0.7 0.9 

Lindane 0.005 95.9 8.9 9.3 

Methoxychlor 0.008 88.2 3.3 3.8 

Permethrin 0.05 79.9 2.5 3.1 

Note: Recovery data for pp-DDT and for endrin indicate that the method may have to be further refined to 

deal with these pesticides while recognising that this information is based on very limited recovery data. 

1 egg sample was spiked with the organochlorine pesticide mixture, Mix B, which 

- 65 -


contained 8 different pesticides and metabolites. 



op-DDD 0.006 – 0.042 96.7 

op-DDE 0.006 – 0.040 83.7 

op-DDT 0.005 – 0.026 64.9 

α-HCH 0.005 – 0.026 93.2 

Dieldrin 0.005 – 0.028 124.9 

Heptachlor 0.005 – 0.028 64.6 

Heptachlor-epoxide 0.005 – 0.026 106.0 

Quintozene 0.005 – 0.028 120.8 

1 egg sample was spiked with the organochlorine pesticide mixture, Mix C, which 

contained 5 different pesticides and metabolites. 




β-Endosulfan 0.006 – 0.038 68.7 

β-HCH 0.008 – 0.052 93.5 

δ-HCH 0.005 – 0.026 102.7 

Tecnazene 0.005 – 0.026 85.7 

Organophosphorous Pesticides. (OP) 

2 egg samples were spiked with the organophosphorous pesticide mixture, Mix E, 

containing 9 different pesticides. 



Azinphos-Me 0.22 – 1.10 88.7 1.6 1.8 

Chlorpyrifos 0.10 – 0.47 83.8 2.4 2.8 


Diazinon 0.10 – 0.52 122.6 3.0 2.4 

Dimethoate 0.10 – 0.53 108.4 6.3 5.9 

Ethion 0.10 – 0.51 84.4 0.6 0.7 

Malathion 0.11 – 0.56 107.6 0.5 0.5 

Methidathion 0.08 – 0.34 100.5 11.8 11.7 

Triazophos 0.64 – 0.32 69.3 0.2 0.2 

2 samples of eggs were spiked with the organophosphorous pesticide mixture, Mix G, 

- 66 -


which contained 5 different pesticides. 



Bromophos-Et 0.10 – 0.47 70.7 10.2 14.4 

Bromophos-Me 0.10 – 0.49 74.2 3.4 4.6 



Pirimphos-Me 0.08 – 0.44 83.8 5.0 6.0 

2 samples of eggs were spiked with the PCB mixture, PCB Mix 3, containing 7 

different PCB congeners. 



PCB 28 0.01 – 0.05 103.7 11.0 10.6 

PCB 52 0.01 – 0.05 85.8 5.7 6.7 

PCB 101 0.01 – 0.05 140.1 74.0 52.9 

PCB 118 0.01 – 0.05 152.7 9.6 6.3 

PCB 153 0.01 – 0.05 79.6 0.1 0.2 

PCB 138 0.01 – 0.05 67.4 26.2 38.8 

PCB 180 0.01 – 0.05 72.0 0.8 1.2 

- 67 -


ANNEX IX 

PESTICIDES DETERMINED IN VEGETABLE SAMPLES ANALYZED BY 

ANALYTICAL CONSULTANTS, ON BEHALF OF BORD GLAS 

Organobromine Included in the PCS Recovery Limit of 

Compounds Monitoring Programme (%) Determination 

(mg/kg) 

bromopropylate yes > 70 0.04 

Organobromine Included in the PCS Recovery Limit of 


(mg/kg) 

aldrin 

cis-chlordane 

yes 

no 

> 70 

> 70 

0.03 

0.02 

trans-chlordane no > 70 0.03 

chlorothalonil yes > 70 0.02 

dieldrin yes > 70 0.02 

op’DDE yes > 70 0.03 

pp’DDE yes > 70 0.02 

op’DDT yes > 70 0.02 

pp’DDT yes > 70 0.02 

op’DDD yes > 70 0.03 

pp’DDD yes > 70 0.02 

dicofol yes > 70 0.04 

endosulfan 1 yes > 70 0.02 

endosulfan 2 yes > 70 0.03 

endosulfate yes > 70 0.02 

endrin yes > 70 0.02 

heptachlor yes > 70 0.02 

heptachlor-epoxide yes > 70 0.02 

HCB yes > 70 0.02 

α-HCH yes > 70 0.02 

β-HCH yes > 70 0.04 

δ-HCH yes > 70 0.02 

lindane (γ-HCH) yes > 70 0.02 

methoxychlor yes > 70 0.04 

quintozene yes > 70 0.02 

tecnazene yes > 70 0.02 

Tolyfluanid Yes >70 0.02 

- 68 -


Organophosphorous Included in the PCS Recovery Limit of 


(mg/kg) 

acephate yes > 70 0.05 

azinphos-ethyl yes > 70 0.1 

azinphos-methyl yes > 70 0.1 

bromophos-ethyl yes > 70 0.05 

bromophos-methyl yes > 70 0.05 

chlorfenvinphos yes > 70 0.06 

chlorpyrifos yes > 70 0.06 

chlorpyrifos-methyl yes > 70 0.05 

demeton-S-methylsulfone yes > 70 0.07 

diazinon yes > 70 0.05 

dichlorvos yes > 70 0.04 

dimethoate yes > 70 0.05 

ethion yes > 70 0.05 

etrimfos yes > 70 0.03 

fenchlorphos yes > 70 0.02 

fenitrothion yes > 70 0.05 

fonophos yes > 70 0.05 

heptenophos yes > 70 0.04 

iodofenphos yes > 70 0.04 

isofenphos yes > 70 0.05 

malaoxon yes > 70 0.05 

malathion yes > 70 0.05 

methacrifos yes > 70 0.05 

methamidophos yes > 70 0.04 

methidathion yes > 70 0.04 

monocrotophos yes > 70 0.06 

mevinphos yes > 70 0.04 

omethoate yes > 70 0.05 

paraoxon yes > 70 0.05 

paraoxon-methyl yes > 70 0.04 

parathion yes > 70 0.05 

parathion-methyl yes > 70 0.04 

phosalone yes > 70 0.1 

phosmet yes > 70 0.1 

phosphamidon yes > 70 0.04 

pirimiphos-methyl yes > 70 0.05 

propetamphos yes > 70 0.05 

quinalphos yes > 70 0.04 

Tolcophos-methyl yes > 70 0.05 

triazophos yes > 70 0.03 

Pirimiphos-ethyl yes > 70 0.05 

- 69 -


Dicarboximide Included in the PCS Recovery Limit of 


(mg/kg) 

iprodione yes > 70 0.07 

procymidone yes > 70 0.1 

vinclozolin yes > 70 0.02 

Phthalimide Included in the PCS Recovery Limit of 


(mg/kg) 

captafol yes > 70 0.02 

captan yes > 70 0.03 

folpet yes > 70 0.02 

Pyrethroid Included in the PCS Recovery Limit of 


(mg/kg) 

bifenthrin yes > 70 0.07 

cyfluthrin yes > 70 0.04 

λ-cyhalothrin yes > 70 0.02 

cypermethrin yes > 70 0.07 

deltamethrin yes > 70 0.05 

fenvalerate yes > 70 0.06 

permethrin yes > 70 0.2 

Other Included in the PCS Recovery Limit of 


(mg/kg) 

dichlofluanid yes > 70 0.03 

fenarimol yes > 70 0.05 

propyzamide yes > 70 0.1 

tetradifon yes > 70 0.03 

binapacryl yes > 70 0.04 

carbendazim yes >70 0.05 

thiabendazole yes >70 0.05 

- 70 -


Annex X 

SUMMARY OF THE RESULTS OF THE ANALYSIS OF IRISH VEGETABLES 

SAMPLED AND ANALYSED BY AN BORD GLAS DURING 2002. 

Part 1. Vegetables sampled by An Bord Glas for pesticide residue analysis in 2002. 

Commodity No. of Residues detected 

samples > MRL < MRL ND 

analysed 

Apples 

Broccoli 

Brussel sprouts 

Cabbage 

Carrots 

Cauliflower 

Celery 

Cress 

Cucumbers 

Leeks 

Lettuce 

Mushrooms 

Onions 

Parsley 

Parsnips 

Potatoes 

Scallions 

Spinach 

Strawberry 

Swedes 

Tomatoes 

Turnips 

2 

64 

3 

6 

5 

6 

3 

1 

2 

2 

4 

49 

1 

1 

3 

33 

1 

1 

1 

3 

10 

1 

2 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

3 

0 

0 

0 

3 

6 

0 

1 

1 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

6 

3 

6 

4 

6 

0 

1 

2 

2 

1 

43 

1 

0 

2 

32 

1 

1 

1 

3 

9 

1 

Total 

144 

19 

125 

- 71 -


Part 2: Pesticide residues detected in vegetables sampled by An Bord Glas in 2002. 

Sample number. Residue detected. Residue (mg/kg) MRL (mg/kg) 

1. Fruit 1.3. Pome Fruit 1.3.1. Apples 

1094 Captan 0.08 3.0 

1097 Carbendazim 1.37 2.0 

2. Vegetables. 2.1. Root & Tuber Vegetables 2.1.1. Carrots. 

1072 Chlorfenvinphos 0.12 0.5 

2.1.3. Parsnip 

1076 Chlorfenvinphos 0.25 0.5 

2.3. Fruiting Veg. 2.3.1.1. Tomato 

1716 Iprodione 0.16 5.0 

2.5. Leafy Vegetables.2.5.1. Lettuce & Similar. 2.5.1.1. Lettuce. 

1632 Propyzamide 0.18 1.0 

1089 Iprodione 0.11 10 

1061 Iprodione 0.29 10 

Propyzamide 0.12 1.0 

2.5.5. Herbs. 2.5.5.1.Parsley 

1059 Cypermethrin 0.33 2.0 

2.7. Stem Vegetables 2.7.2. Celery 

1069 chlorothalonil 2.2 10 



2.8. Fungi 2.8.1. Mushrooms 





1706 Lindane 0.04 No Irish MRL. 

1100b Carbendazim 0.33 1.0 

5.0. Potatoes 

1030 Tecnazene 0.08 No MRL in 2002. 

- 72 -


- 73 -

10489 Dept. of Argiculture - Pesticide Control Service - Department ...

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?