170 samples of food and other commodities were analysed last year for pesticide residue, of which 62%  were found to have no detectable residue levels, the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority said today.

33% had residues below the maximum residue level established by the European Commission whereas 5.3% exceeded the maximum residue levels.

In the cases where the maximum residue level was exceeded and/or a residue of a banned plant protection product was found, criminal charges were made and produce was destroyed as necessary. 

The authority said that its Technical Regulations Division between 2008 and last year analysed 600 samples of different commodities varying from strawberries to bovine liver to cereals and baby food. The commodities were analyzed according to the monitoring programme  agreed at European level. Samples were taken randomly from different locations including markets, retailers and importers. Commodities included both local produce and imported products

36 different Plant Protection Product authorisations and 29 biocidal product registrations were finalized and issued in 2011 by the Division.

As for 2012, another 170 samples of fruit, vegetables and products of animal origin are currently being tested for pesticide residues; the results of such testing are being compiled, analysed and will be published at the beginning of 2013 on the MCCAA website www.mccaa.org.mt.

For any further clarifications, one can always contact the Technical Regulations Division of the MCCAA on 2395 2000. Furthermore, consumers who wish to report any unsafe product may do so directly on the Authority's website http://mccaa.org.mt/loadfile/edec0589-219c-40d7-bb1c-f1d697799d8a.

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