The use of plant protection products (PPP) 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 (Finnish food products), Customs (the EU internal market and third-country import food products of non-animal origin) and the Finnish National Authority for Welfare and Health Valvira (alcoholic beverages). The Finnish Food Authority monitors PPP residues also in Finnish organic products and food products of animal origin. PPP use is monitored by ELY centres under the supervision of the Finnish Food Authority.
Few non-compliant products found
A total of 2,029 samples were analysed in the control of PPP residues in 2019. Taking into account measurement uncertainty, a total of 34 samples (3.2%) exceeded the regulatory maximum residue level (MRL) permitted. There were 4 samples - 2 imported foods, 1 imported alcohol product and 1 Finnish food - in non-compliance with regulations on organic farming.
Residue levels below the MRLs permitted were found in a total of 30 samples (4.3%) of the 689 Finnish samples analysed. Since residue levels were below the MRLs, none of the samples of ordinary foodstuffs were in non-compliance with food legislation. One sample of Finnish plant origin was found to contain residues of a PPP active substance the use of which is not permitted in Finland for the species of plant concerned. No unauthorised substances were found in organic unprocessed samples of plant or animal origin. One PPP finding was made in a sample of plant origin processed in accordance with organic legislation. The cause of this was shortcomings in keeping organic and ordinary raw materials separate during manufacturing. The sample in non-compliance with regulations on organic farming was, however, in compliance with food regulations.
Of products imported (both from EU countries and from outside of the EU), 58% of the samples contained PPP residues. Residues most frequently occurred in fresh fruits and berries as well as in fresh vegetables. Of the goods, 32 of the batches (2.4%) were rejected as being non-compliant because of the amounts of PPP residues. Two of these batches were organic products which contained residues not authorised in organic products. In addition, a warning was given in respect of 32 (2.4%) batches of imported foods due to PPP residue levels. The residues in these batches were at or slightly above the MRL but because of the measurement uncertainty of the examinations they could not be found to be non-compliant. Of the non-compliant batches, 19 were foods imported directly into Finland from outside of the EU and 11 were internal market foods, some of which originated outside of the EU. Product batches from third countries arriving through the EU are recorded in EU intra-Community trade import statistics, which is why in reality non-compliances are more pronounced for third countries than these figures indicate.
Control measures
For all non-compliant products, the competent food control authorities carried out the measures specified in the regulations. The distribution of all non-compliant imported products to the food chain was halted and follow-up samples of the following batches were taken before allowing the products to be placed on the market. The batches of non-compliant products were destroyed or returned under regulatory control to the country of origin. Recall measures from consumers were initiated in respect of those batches that had reached the market and which on the basis of risk assessment were found to pose a potential risk to consumers (the acute toxic reference value, ARfD, was exceeded). On the basis of risk assessment, notification of 10 non-compliant batches was sent to other member states through the EU’s Rapid Alert System (RASFF). In addition, the competent authorities carried out, where necessary, controls of the use of PPPs in Finnish products.
OIVA results
In addition to the control programme coordinated by the Finnish Food Authority, municipal food control authorities carried out a total of 21 inspections relating to PPP residues within the framework of the OIVA system (line 17.12). Control sites for PPP residues have been selected in the OIVA system on a risk basis based on effectiveness and extent. In OIVA inspections in 2019, only A grades were given, i.e. no shortcomings were found in PPP management. Last year very few inspections of PPP residues were carried out in relation to the number of assumed sites for inspection. Guidance will be given on identifying sites to be inspected and the use of the grading system among other things with the help of a contamination and PPP residue network.