Abstract
Setting of maximum residue levels (MRLs; tolerances in the USA) in crops requires a big amount of data concerning residues from a number of supervised field trials for each pesticide/crop combination. This task is time-consuming, costly and fairly complicated. Therefore, we initiated a study on the utilization of the interpolation method in supporting and facilitating of assessing the value of the MRLs which are now being in use, and in creating their consistent system in the future. A mathematical formula for predicting the initial pesticide residue level in mature apples was developed by establishing the relationship between application rates and residue levels of the pesticide active ingredients in mature apples. This dependence was described by a linear equation R 0 = 1.2593 × D, with coefficient of determination r 2 = 0.984, where D is an application rate of a given substance. This relationship makes it possible to predict a residue level of other substances of fungicidal activity. Thus, residue levels (both predicted by the formula and obtained in the frame of Polish National Monitoring Program) of fungicides now used in apple orchards, in mature apples were typically lower than those of the statutory MRLs. Bearing in mind that the European Union policy is directed towards substantial reduction in pesticide use, the MRLs might be reconsidered in order to be set at lower values.
Highlights
Among the food safety hazards for the consumers, pesticide residues, some bacterial pathogens (e.g. Salmonella enterica) and foodborne viruses have been identified as three most important risk factors [4]
We initiated the field trials to investigate whether the interpolation method may be efficient in predicting of the residue levels of fungicides used in apple orchards against diseases that potentially may develop during fruit storage
Bearing in mind that the European Union pesticide use policy, as reflected in Directive 2009/128/EC, is directed towards significant reductions in pesticide use, we proposed that certain maximum residue levels (MRLs) could be reconsidered and set at lower values based on pesticide residue monitoring data from surveys on crops produced under typical commercial conditions
Summary
Among the food safety hazards for the consumers, pesticide residues, some bacterial pathogens (e.g. Salmonella enterica) and foodborne viruses (e.g. norovirus) have been identified as three most important risk factors [4]. In order to safeguard consumers’ health and to promote principles of good agricultural practice (GAP) in the use of pesticides, maximum residue levels (MRLs; tolerances in the USA) of pesticides have been set by all EU Member States applying the same evaluation procedures and authorization criteria in order to put a plant protection product (PPP) on the market. These MRLs represent the highest concentrations of pesticides (expressed in mg of active ingredient per kg) which are legally permitted in food commodities, and they are interpreted as the highest residue of a given substance which may be found if a pesticide, registered and authorized, is applied according to label and, to principles of GAP [8]. Apples are interesting study object, since these fruits are heavily exposed to pesticide contamination due to numerous pesticide treatments to whom they are subjected, and because they are the most highly consumed fruits (along with oranges) in the European Union countries and the USA
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