Evaluation of specific import provisions for food products from third countries based on an analysis of RASFF notifications on pesticide residues

Abstract

Maximum residue levels for pesticides in food and feed are an important part of the European pesticide policy. The Annual Reports summarising the results of official controls on pesticide residues in food indicate low rates of non-compliance and a correspondingly high level of food safety in the European Union (EU). However, products from third countries have received particular attention in recent years due to more frequent exceedances of maximum limits. To ensure high levels of consumer protection in the EU, Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 on pesticide residues in food and feed enables emergency measures for products from third countries in accordance with General Food Law. Consequently, specific import provisions for certain products from third countries were first introduced by Commission Regulation (EC) No 669/2009 and later repealed by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793. Based on legal references to the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), an influence of the emergency measures on the notifications submitted in the RASFF has been expected. To investigate the effectiveness of the risk management measures and to identify potential need for improvement, 5211 notifications on pesticide residues in food submitted in the RASFF between 2002 and 2020 were analysed in the context of the specific import provisions. The analysis reveals clear correlations between the notifications in the RASFF and the emergency measures, which are particularly evident in the large proportion of and the trend in border rejection notifications as well as in frequently concerned products and frequently involved countries of origin. The risk management measures appear to be effective for several products from third countries; however, a need for improvement was identified for sweet peppers/bell peppers and granate apples/pomegranates from Turkey as well as for teas from China. Furthermore, the adoption of risk management measures for rice from India should be considered. Overall, the analysis highlights past achievements of the specific import provisions, provides an outlook on future trends and illustrates the contribution of import controls and border rejections of non-compliant products to food safety in the EU. • RASFF notifications and emergency measures for imported food products were analysed. • The analysis shows correlations between notifications and risk management measures. • Concerned products and countries were often subject to special import conditions. • Special import provisions are effective for several products from third countries. • Need for improvement was identified for products from Turkey, China and India.