The control of the use of plant protection products (PPP), and their residues is carried out in collaboration between authorities. Finnish Food Authority coordinates the planning and reporting of the annual control programme. The authorities participating in the implementation of the control programme include: municipal food control authorities (domestic products), the Customs (products of non-animal original imported from the EU internal market and third countries), City of Helsinki Environmental Centre (domestic vegetables), and the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health Valvira (alcoholic beverages). Finnish Food Authority controls residues of plant protection products also in organic products and domestic foods of animal origin.
Only few cases of non-compliant products
A total of 2263 samples were analysed in the 2016 control programme of residues of PPPs. The statutory maximum residue limit (MRL) of a PPP was exceeded in 28 samples (1.2%), with the measurement uncertainty taken into account. Eleven samples violated legislation on organic production. The domestic foods all complied with the requirements of the Finnish Food Act. Samples were taken of 553 domestic products, and residues were found in 66 of them (11.9%), but the MRL was not exceeded in any of the cases. Residues of PPPs prohibited in organic production were found in three organic breads, but the levels did not exceed the permitted levels set in food laws. Three domestic vegetable samples tested positive for active substances which are not authorised in Finland for the vegetables concerned. Residues of PPPs were found in 50% of the analysed imported products (from the internal market and third countries). Residues were most often found in fresh fruit and berries (ca. 75%). About 50% of fresh vegetables contained residues of PPPs. Of the batches that were controlled, 28 (1.7%) proved to be non-compliant, because they contained one or several plant protection products at levels exceeding the maximum residue limit. Twenty of the non-compliant batches consisted of foods produced outside the EU, and 8 batches of foods of EU origin.
Control measures
The measures specified in legislation were carried out by competent food control authorities on the batches which did not comply with requirements. The distribution of all non-compliant imported products into the food supply chain was stopped, and follow-up samples were taken of the next batches before the products were allowed to be placed on the market. Non-compliant batches of products were destroyed or returned under official control to the country of origin. Measures to recall products from consumers were initiated where the batches that had reached the market were found in the risk assessment to cause a health hazard to consumers (they exceeded the Acute Reference Dose, ARfD). Based on the risk assessment, other Member States were notified of eleven (11) non-compliant batches using the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF). Where necessary, the competent authorities also carried out control of the use of PPPs on domestic products.
Oiva results
In addition to the control programme coordinated by Finnish Food Authority, municipal food control authorities carried out within the Oiva system a total of 44 control inspections related to residues of PPPs (Oiva line 17.12). The selection of operators for the control of residues of PPPs within the Oiva system was made on risk-basis according to effectiveness and scope. The results of Oiva control inspections included 42 grades "A" and 2 grades "B".