Quarter 4 2023 report on the pesticide residues monitoring programme: introduction, results summary and actions taken by HSE
Updated 25 September 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pesticide-residues-in-food-quarterly-monitoring-results-for-2023/quarter-4-2023-report-on-the-pesticide-residues-monitoring-programme-introduction-results-summary-and-actions-taken-by-hse
Chair’s comments
During this year’s surveillance programme, we are measuring up to 415 different pesticides in each of the foods we survey. The Quarter 4 programme for Great Britain surveyed 631 samples of 24 different foods (see findings for Great Britain for a full list). The majority of samples were collected between the beginning of October and the end of December 2023. The Quarter 4 programme for Northern Ireland products of animal origin surveyed 30 samples of 3 different foods (see findings by food in Northern Ireland for a full list).
Of the 631 Q4 Great Britain samples, we found residues in 363 of them and of these, 10 samples contained residues over the Maximum Residue Level (MRL). Of the 30 Q4 Northern Ireland products of animal origin samples, we found residues in 1 of them and of these, no samples contained residues over the MRL.
HSE undertakes screening and detailed risk assessments, as required, for the pesticide residues found. This is to determine whether the residues present could lead to someone eating an amount above a level that is considered safe. HSE also produces detailed risk assessments for every case where the actual residue level found could lead to an intake above the safety levels.
Following screening assessment, we needed to consider the potential short-term health effects of only a small minority of the residues found in more detail. In most of these cases, we concluded that effects on health were either unlikely or not expected. In one pesticide commodity combination (one sample of fosthiazate in potatoes) we concluded that the likelihood of an effect on health would be low. Full details are presented in detailed risk assessment. All other residues found did not cause any concern for health.
These detailed considerations on the risk assessments as well as links to underlying information are covered in our reports for beans with pods, grapes, oranges, potato and soft citrus. We also needed to consider the potential genotoxic health effects of carbofuran found in one sample of beans with pods. Carbofuran is not authorised in the UK but can on occasions be found in some imported food. We concluded that at the level present, a risk of an adverse effect on health due to genotoxicity would be low.
None of the individual commodity long-term exposure screening assessments performed in this quarter (for each of the pesticides found in this report) indicated any potential for adverse long-term health effects. This was based on the assessment of dietary intakes as below the ADI or other established long-term health based reference values.
Full details of suppliers and retailers of the food sampled, and full analytical results, are available on data.gov.uk as ODS (Open Document Spreadsheet) files. We hope this data format is useful for people wanting to look at the individual results in more detail.
Since the UK left the EU, we report the results for samples collected in Great Britain (GB) separately from those collected in Northern Ireland (NI). Surveys have been titled throughout the report as either GB or NI to make clear where the samples were collected. Samples collected in GB are subject to GB MRLs. GB MRLs are set by inclusion in a new GB MRL statutory Register, implemented and updated by means of a database. For samples collected in Northern Ireland, certain aspects of EU food law, including compliance with EU set MRLs, continue to apply under the terms of the Windsor Framework. In the detailed data files HSE is, for 2023 results, still separating out EU from non-EU origin foods in the results.
HSE asked suppliers and the authorities of the exporting countries for an explanation of our findings. Any responses they have received specifically for publication are available in in the Sample details section (add link) sample details and supplier responses.
If you have any feedback or comments on the monitoring programme or the reports produced, send them to HSE at [email protected].
Ann Davison
Chair of the Expert Committee on Pesticide Residues in Food
Consumer risk summary
HSE screens each residue detected for any consumer health issues to identify which need to be considered in more detail. We comment on any risks HSE considered in detail in our full report, and HSE’s risk assessments are also published.
HSE liaises with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) on consumer risk assessment and the FSA also takes part in our meetings.
Table 1a: Overview of the survey results for Q4 Great Britain with links to detailed information
| Survey title (where samples collected) | Number of pesticides sought | Samples tested | Detailed risk assessment presented? | MRL exceedances (samples) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beans (dried) | 415 | 12 | No | 1 |
| Beans with pods | 405 | 21 | Yes | 1 |
| Bread | 408 | 59 | No | 0 |
| Carrots | 385 | 24 | No | 0 |
| Cauliflower | 382 | 30 | No | 2 |
| Crisps (potato based) | 404 | 24 | No | 0 |
| Fish (oily) | 112 | 24 | No | 0 |
| Grapes | 406 | 26 | Yes | 0 |
| Kiwi fruit | 384 | 18 | No | 0 |
| Lemons | 378 | 12 | No | 0 |
| Liver | 116 | 24 | No | 0 |
| Milk | 112 | 72 | No | 0 |
| Onions | 405 | 18 | No | 0 |
| Orange juice | 404 | 24 | No | 0 |
| Oranges | 409 | 17 | Yes | 2 |
| Pears | 413 | 18 | No | 0 |
| Peas without pods | 381 | 31 | No | 0 |
| Pineapples | 381 | 18 | No | 1 |
| Potatoes | 406 | 33 | Yes | 1 |
| Poultry meat | 116 | 24 | No | 0 |
| Rice | 414 | 18 | No | 0 |
| Rye flour | 412 | 30 | No | 0 |
| Snacks (speciality) | 406 | 36 | No | 1 |
| Soft citrus | 405 | 18 | Yes | 0 |
Table 1b: Overview of the survey results for Q4 Northern Ireland products of animal origin with links to detailed information
| Survey title (where samples collected) | Number of pesticides sought | Samples tested | Detailed risk assessment presented? | MRL exceedances (samples) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fish (oily) | 39 | 9 | No | 0 |
| Milk | 39 | 13 | No | 0 |
| Poultry meat | 43 | 8 | No | 0 |
Samples collected in GB must comply with GB set MRLs unless the goods are qualifying Northern Ireland goods and are subject to unfettered access under the terms of the UK Internal Market Act 2020. For samples collected in Northern Ireland, under the Windsor Framework, certain aspects of EU food law, including compliance with EU MRLs apply.
Other issues
Suspected unauthorised uses
HSE undertook additional activity for samples grown in GB or NI that contained a residue which does not have a plant protection product (PPP) with that active authorised for use on that crop, in GB and NI.
- one GB sample of pears containing chlormequat. The Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD) investigation found no evidence of unauthorised use in the grower’s spray records. HSE considered a number of other potential sources of contamination, of which the most likely was thought to be spray drift from the authorised use of chlormequat on cereal crops grown in very close proximity to the affected orchards.
- one sample of GB peas without pods. After investigation, the sample was determined to be of non-UK origin and therefore no further action has been taken
Details of possible unauthorised uses from previous surveys are provided in issues arising from this report, follow-up from previous reports and plans for the quarter 1 report.
Organic samples with residues
Defra’s Organic Farming branch and the organic certification organisations are responsible for follow up activity related to the presence of pesticide residues in organic samples.
HSE writes to the suppliers of samples of organic produce if they contain a pesticide residue which is not permitted under retained organic regulation Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 and copies these bodies in.
Further information
You can find more information on the individual sample details in the Pesticide Residues in Food Quarterly Data.
This includes:
- brand name, sampling point and origin information
- pesticides sought and residues found
- HSE detailed risk assessments
Introduction to the work of the Expert Committee on Pesticide Residues in Food (PRiF)
The UK Expert Committee on Pesticide Residues in Food (the PRiF) is established to provide independent scientific advice to:
- Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra)
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE) (accountable to the Department of Work and Pensions)
- Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for Northern Ireland (DAERA)
- Food Standards Agency (FSA)
- Scottish Government
- Welsh Government
Their full terms of reference are available at PRiF Terms of Reference and Code of Practice.
In relation to the published reports this includes advice on:
- The Government’s presentation of findings resulting from monitoring programmes of pesticide residues in food in Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI). In particular to ensure that results can be readily and appropriately understood by the public.
- Planned and ad-hoc Government programmes to monitor pesticide residues in foodstuffs. In particular on foods to be surveyed (taking account of changing diets), availability of produce, location and frequency of sampling and pesticides to be sought.
- The determination of likely causes of adverse findings detected in Government (and where relevant other national and international) monitoring programmes for pesticide residues in food.
The PRiF was established in 2011. Members have a broad range of expertise relating to the food supply industry. Previously this work was carried out by the Pesticide Residues Committee.
The chair, Ann Davison, has worked in consumer affairs for most of her career, running consumer organisations and networks. The committee also includes members with expertise in food science, public interest and food production and supply.
Information on the membership of the committee can be found at Expert Committee on Pesticide Residues in Food (PRiF).
UK National Monitoring Programmes
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), working under Defra, and the Scottish and Welsh governments authority has official responsibility to organise a monitoring programme of GB food for pesticide residues. Similarly, HSE working under the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural affairs authority has official responsibility to organise a monitoring programme of NI food for pesticide residues, including participating in the EU multi-annual control programme.
The programmes are made up of a risk-based rolling programme of surveys and statutory programmes required by GB or EU law. It is a surveillance programme, which is designed based upon evidence gathered in the previous years, including previous results, PRiF advice and border control information. For efficiency reasons, the Northern Ireland programme may differ in that some lower priority (primarily imported) foods or processed foods are not included. If the GB survey identifies issues in these foods, then they would be included in future testing in Northern Ireland.
These surveys are not an enforcement programme, and the survey design is generally not adjusted during the year. HSE are responsible for considering the safety of people who eat the food (in co-operation with the Food Standards Agency if necessary) and for following up adverse or unexpected results. HSE are also responsible for determining whether food is compliant with the law, specifically, whether any pesticide residue found is within the MRL.
MRLs reflect levels of pesticides that could occur in food which has been treated in accordance with good agricultural practice. Where pesticides do not give rise to readily detectable residues, or are not authorised for use on particular commodities, MRLs are set at the lowest level which can be identified in routine laboratory analysis. This provides a mechanism for statutory controls on pesticides in food which is put into circulation and for monitoring the correct use of these chemicals.
Table 2: 2023 Survey design
GB surveys that have an asterisk are a requirement of the Multi-annual Great Britain control plan for pesticide residues.
NI surveys that have an asterisk are a requirement of the EU Coordinated Programme – Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/741.
Fruit and vegetables
| Food | Sampling points | Sampled during | Reporting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beans with pods (GB) | Retail outlets and Supply chain | Quarterly | Rolling and quarterly |
| Beans with pods (NI) | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Brussel sprouts (NI) | Retail outlets | Quarter 3 and 4 | Quarter 3 and 4 |
| Carrot (GB)* | Retail outlets and Supply chain | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Carrot (NI)* | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Cauliflower (GB)* | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Cauliflower (NI)* | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Grapes (GB) | Retail outlets and Supply chain | Quarterly | Rolling and quarterly |
| Grapes (NI) | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Kiwi fruit (GB)* | Retail outlets and Supply chain | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Kiwi fruit (NI)* | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Lemons (GB) | Retail outlets and Supply chain | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Lemons (NI) | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Onions (GB)* | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Onions (NI)* | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Oranges (GB)* | Retail outlets and Supply chain | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Oranges (NI)* | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Pears (GB)* | Retail outlets and Supply chain | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Pears (NI)* | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Peas with edible pods (GB) | Retail outlets | Quarter 1 and 3 | Quarter 1 and 3 |
| Peas with edible pods (NI) | Retail outlets | Quarter 1 and 3 | Quarter 1 and 3 |
| Peas without pods (GB) | Retail outlets | Quarter 2 and 4 | Quarter 2 and 4 |
| Peas without pods (NI) | Retail outlets | Quarter 2 and 4 | Quarter 2 and 4 |
| Pineapple (GB) | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Pineapple (NI) | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Potato (GB)* | Retail outlets and Supply chain | Quarterly | Rolling and quarterly |
| Potato (NI)* | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Soft citrus (GB) | Retail outlets and Supply chain | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Soft citrus (NI) | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Spring onions (GB) | Retail outlets | Quarter 3 | Quarter 3 |
| Spring onions (NI) | Retail outlets | Quarter 2 and 3 | Quarter 2 and 3 |
Animal products
| Food | Sampling points | Sampled during | Reporting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fish (oily) (GB) | Retail outlets | Quarters 2, 3 and 4 | Quarters 2, 3 and 4 |
| Fish (oily) (NI) | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Liver (bovine) (GB)* | Retail outlets | Quarters 1, 2 and 4 | Quarters 1, 2 and 4 |
| Liver (bovine) (NI)* | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarters 2, 3 and 4 |
| Milk (GB) | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Milk (NI) | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Poultry meat (GB)* | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Poultry meat (NI)* | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
Cereal products
| Food | Sampling points | Sampled during | Reporting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bread (GB) | Retail outlets | Quarters 2, 3 and 4 | Quarter 3 and 4 |
| Bread (NI) | Retail outlets | Quarters 2, 3 and 4 | Quarter 3 and 4 |
| Rice (GB)* | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Rice (NI)* | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Rye flour (GB)* | Retail outlets | Quarter 2 and 4 | Quarter 2 and 4 |
| Rye flour (NI)* | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
Miscellaneous products
| Food | Sampling points | Sampled during | Reporting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beans (dried) (GB)* | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Beans (dried) (NI)* | Retail outlets | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Crisps (potato based) (GB) | Retail outlets | Quarter 4 | Quarter 4 |
| Infant formula (GB)* | Retail outlets | Quarter 3 | Quarter 3 |
| Infant formula (NI)* | Retail outlets | Quarter 3 | Quarter 3 |
| Orange juice (GB) | Retail outlets | Quarter 3 and 4 | Quarter 3 and 4 |
| Pulses (dahls or lentils) (GB) | Retail outlets | Quarter 3 | Quarter 3 |
| Snacks (cereal based) (GB) | Retail outlets | Quarter 3 | Quarter 3 |
| Snacks (speciality) (GB) | Retail outlets | Quarter 4 | Quarter 4 |
Sampling points
- retail outlets: samples bought by market research contractor shoppers
- supply chain: samples taken by inspectors from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) from a range of points in the supply chain (wholesalers, retail depots, ports and import points)
Table 3a: Summary of results for Q4 Great Britain
| Food | Analysed | With residues at or below the MRL | With residues above the MRL | With residues of non- approved pesticides (UK only) | With multiple residues | Organic samples tested | Organic samples with residues |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beans (dried) (GB) | 12 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | N/A |
| Beans with pods (GB) | 21 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | N/A |
| Bread (GB) | 59 | 58 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 0 | N/A |
| Carrot (GB) | 24 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 0 |
| Cauliflower (GB) | 30 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | N/A |
| Crisps (potato based) (GB) | 24 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | N/A |
| Fish (oily) (GB) | 24 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Grapes (GB) | 26 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 0 | N/A |
| Kiwi fruit (GB) | 18 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Lemons (GB) | 12 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| Liver (GB) | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| Milk (GB) | 72 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 0 |
| Onions (GB) | 18 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Orange juice (GB) | 24 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | N/A |
| Oranges (GB) | 17 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 17 | 0 | N/A |
| Pears (GB) | 18 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 1 | 0 |
| Peas without pods (GB) | 31 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | N/A |
| Pineapples (GB) | 18 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | N/A |
| Potatoes (GB) | 33 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | N/A |
| Poultry meat (GB) | 24 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| Rice (GB) | 18 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Rye flour (GB) | 30 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 27 | 0 |
| Snacks (speciality) (GB) | 36 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | N/A |
| Soft citrus (GB) | 18 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 0 | N/A |
Table 3b: Summary of results for Q4 Northern Ireland products of animal origin
| Food | Analysed | With residues at or below the MRL | With residues above the MRL | With residues of non- approved pesticides (UK only) | With multiple residues | Organic samples tested | Organic samples with residues |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fish (oily) (NI) | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Milk (NI) | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Poultry meat (NI) | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Table 4: Summary of MRL Exceedances for Q4 Great Britain
Some shorthand has been used in this table. The symbol * means maximum residue levels set at the limit of determination (LOD MRL). These MRLs are set at a default level, for example, at the limit of determination (LOD) where analytical methods can reasonably detect the presence of the pesticide. Either insufficient trials data are available on which to set a maximum residue level, or there may be no use of the pesticide on that crop permitted. However, they may be permitted elsewhere.
Where processed goods have been tested, the MRL may be adjusted to take account of processing. See the Issues arising in this report section.
Beans (dried) GB
| Sample ID | Food | Country of Origin | Pesticide Detected | Residue Detected (mg per kg) | MRL (mg per kg) | MRL exceedance after allowing for measurement uncertainty | Sent to FSA for consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5162/2023 | Cannellini Beans | Argentina | Fosetyl-Al (sum) | 44 | 2* | Yes | No |
Beans with pods (GB)
| Sample ID | Food | Country of Origin | Pesticide Detected | Residue Detected (mg per kg) | MRL (mg per kg) | MRL exceedance after allowing for measurement uncertainty | Sent to FSA for consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5784/2023 | Yard Long Beans | India | dithiocarbamates | 2.4 | 1 | Yes | No |
| 5784/2023 | Yard Long Beans | India | profenofos | 2.3 | 0.01* | Yes | No |
Cauliflower (GB)
| Sample ID | Food | Country of Origin | Pesticide Detected | Residue Detected (mg per kg) | MRL (mg per kg) | MRL exceedance after allowing for measurement uncertainty | Sent to FSA for consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0788/2023 | Cauliflower Rice | UK | chlorate | 0.1 | 0.06 | No | No |
| 0789/2023 | Cauliflower Florets | UK | chlorate | 0.07 | 0.06 | No | No |
Oranges (GB)
| Sample ID | Food | Country of Origin | Pesticide Detected | Residue Detected (mg per kg) | MRL (mg per kg) | MRL exceedance after allowing for measurement uncertainty | Sent to FSA for consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5799/2023 | Valencia Oranges | Turkey | propiconazole | 0.02 | 0.01* | No | No |
| 5817/2023 | Valencia Delta Seedless | South Africa | glufosinate (sum) | 0.06 | 0.05 | No | No |
Pineapples (GB)
| Sample ID | Food | Country of Origin | Pesticide Detected | Residue Detected (mg per kg) | MRL (mg per kg) | MRL exceedance after allowing for measurement uncertainty | Sent to FSA for consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5161/2023 | Tangy and Tropical Pineapple | Costa Rica | propiconazole | 0.02 | 0.01* | No | No |
Potatoes (GB)
| Sample ID | Food | Country of Origin | Pesticide Detected | Residue Detected (mg per kg) | MRL (mg per kg) | MRL exceedance after allowing for measurement uncertainty | Sent to FSA for consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5722/2023 | Sagitta Potatoes | UK | fosthiazate | 0.06 | 0.02* | Yes | Yes |
Snacks (speciality) (GB)
| Sample ID | Food | Country of Origin | Pesticide Detected | Residue Detected (mg per kg) | MRL (mg per kg) | MRL exceedance after allowing for measurement uncertainty | Sent to FSA for consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3452/2023 | Chickpea Puff Snacks Sweet & Smokin’ | UK | pirimiphos-methyl | 0.05 | 0.01* | Yes | No |
Action taken by HSE
HSE wrote to:
- the suppliers of all samples containing residues above the MRL
- the authorities of the exporting countries of all samples containing residues above the MRL
- the suppliers of GB and NI samples that contained residues of actives which do not have a plant protection product authorised for the crop they were detected in.
- the Organics branch of Defra about samples that were labelled as organic and contained any residues of pesticides which is not permitted under retained organic regulation Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008
- the suppliers and certification organisation of all organic samples containing any residues of pesticides which is not permitted under retained organic regulation Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008
Recipients of the letters are given 4 weeks to provide a statement for inclusion in the report. The Expert Committee on Pesticide Residues in Food reviews any replies received.
Supplier responses
None.
This document is part 1 of 4 of the Quarter 4 2023 report.