The aim of the priority action A-901-18 "EU Pesticide Monitoring Program 2018" was to monitor compliance with the maximum levels of pesticide residues in or on food of plant and animal origin. 156 samples from all over Austria were examined within the scope of this monitoring. Four samples were objected to:
- In one sample of broccoli, the maximum residue level for chlorpyrifos (insecticide/acaricide) was significantly exceeded.
- In one sample of grapefruit, the maximum residue level for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate (insecticide) was exceeded.
- Two samples of wheat grains were objected to because of misleading claims regarding organic claims.
To monitor pesticide residues in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin, a multi-year coordinated control program is carried out throughout the EU. This control program is drawn up for three years at a time, updated annually and published in the form of a regulation. The specified samples are to be analyzed by the individual member states and the results are to be forwarded to the Commission or the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
EFSA produces an annual report with processed and evaluated data from all EU Member States and some European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries. The data are used to estimate actual consumer exposure to pesticide residues and are the basis for recommendations regarding future pesticide residue monitoring measures at the European level.