Codex Maximum Residue Limits Research Articles

Determination of Organophosphorus Pesticide Residues in Greek Virgin Olive Oil by Capillary Gas Chromatography.

In this study, the occurrence of 15 organophosphorus pesticide residues in Greek virgin olive oil was investigated. Analysis was carried out using capillary gas chromatography with specific detectors (FPD and NPD), after sample extraction with n-hexane and cleanup by partitioning between n-hexane and acetonitrile. Sixty-two samples of virgin olive oil were taken from the major production areas and packing companies of Greece during 1992-1994. In 46 samples, 9 organophosphorus pesticides, namely dimethoate, fenthion, omethoate, chlorpyrifos, methamidophos, parathion-methyl, parathion, methidathion, and malathion, were found, in concentrations ranging from 0.0005 to 0.1800 mg/kg. Diazinon, pirimiphos-methyl, paraoxon-methyl, malaoxon, carbophenothion, and azinphos-ethyl were not detected in any sample. In most samples pesticide residues were below the detection limits (0.0001 and 0.001 mg/kg), and most of the positive findings were a fraction (i.e., <0.09-18%) of the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius maximum residue limits (MRLs) except for dimethoate, which was ranged between 1 and 45%. Only one sample contained dimethoate residue that exceeded the Codex MRL for refined olive oil.

Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues—A plan for improved participation by governments

The Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR), which is responsible for establishing maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides on food, has a vital role in protecting the public health and facilitating international trade. Codex MRLs are based on scientific evaluations by expert panels that constitute the Joint FAO/WHO meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR). These panelists estimate an acceptable daily intake for a pesticide and expected level of residue remaining in food when the pesticide is used according to good agricultural practice. The goals of the CCPR are not being fully achieved. Governments are generally not accepting Codex MRLs; instead, technical and procedural aspects of the JMPR and CCPR process are being criticized. The CCPR is responding to valid criticisms of the process; however, governments may still lack the will to seek harmonization of pesticide limits for food in international trade. Overcoming this problem will be difficult, but not impossible. A plan of action is proposed that allows countries to selectively accept Codex MRLs, increase the number of chemicals in the JMPR CCPR system for evaluation, and be responsive to both their consumers and their food producers without compromising national health and safety standards and competitive trade advantages.

Codex Alimentarius Approach to Pesticide Residue Standards

To protect consumers' health, most countries have maximum legal limits for pesticide residues in foods. Trade difficulties can arise when limits differ between countries. The Codex Alimentarius Commission was established in 1962 to implement the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, the purpose of which is to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in international food trade. The Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR), an intergovernmental body which advises the Commission on matters related to pesticide residues, is responsible for establishing maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides in foods and feeds that move in international trade. Codex MRLs are based on residue data obtained mainly from supervised trials that reflect approved pesticide use in accordance with "good agricultural practice." MRLs must be toxicologically acceptable in terms of estimated pesticide intake by consumers. CCPR Working Groups examine problems related to establishing and implementing MRLs, including sampling and methods of analysis. Despite time and effort expended, acceptance and application of Codex MRLs face many problems in international trade.

Insecticide residues in commercially-grown quick-maturing carrots.

Commercially-grown quick-maturing carrots which had been treated with insecticides to protect them from damage by carrot fly were analysed for residues of carbofuran (4 samples), disulfoton (17 samples) or phorate (20 samples). Intervals between treatment and harvest ranged from 10 to 35 wk. None of the carbofuran-treated carrots, and only two of the phorate-treated crops, contained greater than 0.1 mg/kg-1. Eleven of those treated with disulfoton contained greater than 0.1 mg/kg-1 but only one exceeded the Codex maximum residue limit of 0.5 mg/kg-1.