The use of pesticides and their residues in foods is supervised jointly by the authorities. The residue control programme is carried out in cooperation with municipal food control authorities (domestic products), Customs (EU's internal market and import products with regard to food products of non-animal origin) and Finnish National Authority for Welfare and Health Valvira (alcoholic beverages). Finnish Food Authority monitors pesticide residues also in domestic organic products and food products of animal origin. Pesticide use is monitored by ELY centres under the supervision of the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes).
Only a few products not conforming to regulations
A total of 2008 samples were tested for pesticide residues. The maximum residue level (MRL) specified by law was exceeded, taking into account measurement uncertainty, in 48 samples (2.4%). There were 9 samples (1.5%) that were in breach of organic legislation.
Of the 453 domestic samples, residues below the maximum permitted level were found in 35 samples (7.7%). Of domestic foods, one lettuce sample (0.2%) was in breach of the Food Act. In addition, one sample of organic crisp bread containing seeds was found to contain residues of forbidden pesticides, but the concentrations were not above the maximum limits permitted by the food legislation. Four domestic vegetables were found to contain residues of a pesticide active substance (imidacloprid), the use of which is not permitted in Finland for the plants in question. These were one farmer's two samples of lettuce, and rocket and mint.
Out of the imported products (both within and from outside the EU), pesticide residues were found in 45% of the samples. Residues were found most commonly in fresh fruits, berries and vegetables. 47 batches (3.4%) did not fulfil the requirements, containing one or more pesticide in excess of the maximum amount. In addition, eight batches of organic products contained forbidden amounts of residues. Of the batches that did not meet the requirements, 39 were foods from outside the EU and 8 within the EU.
Control measures
The competent food control authorities carried out all the measures specified by law with regard to products that did not meet the requirements. The distribution of all exported products that did not meet the requirements was stopped in the food supply chain, and the following batches were sampled before the products were allowed on the market. Product batches that did not meet the requirements were destroyed or returned under official control to the country of origin.
Batches which were assessed to pose a risk to consumers (that is, the acute reference dose, ARfD, was exceeded) were recalled from customers. These were Ecuadorian yellow passion fruit and Pakistani green chili. As a result of risk assessments, twelve (12) batches that did not meet the requirements were reported through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) to other EU Member States.
The cases involving domestic vegetables that were found to contain residues of a pesticide active substance, the use of which is not permitted in Finland for the plants in question, were transferred to the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes). The ELY Centres carried out an inspection of the use of pesticides at the farm in question. Several regulations about pesticide use had been breached at the farm, it was discovered.
Oiva results
In addition to the monitoring programme coordinated by Finnish Food Authority, the municipal food control authorities carried out a total of 22 pesticide residue inspections under the Oiva system (Oiva, item 17.12). The items controlled for pesticides were chosen in the Oiva system on the basis of risk level in terms of effect and scope. In 2017, Oiva inspections only resulted in 'A' assessments. That is, no shortcomings were detected, and not even guidance and counselling was provided.