5% of the samples tested were found to be non-compliant
A total of 1,818 samples were tested as part of pesticide residue control in 2023. Taking the measurement uncertainty into account, the maximum residue level (MRL) of pesticides determined in legislation was exceeded in 82 samples (5 % of samples).
A total of 139 samples were taken from Finnish products in 2023. The MRL for pesticide residues was not exceeded in any of the samples. A total of 17 samples were found to contain residues below the MRL. In three samples, residues of an active substance not authorised for use on the plant in question in Finland were detected. However, all these products were below the MRL and were therefore compliant as foodstuffs.
1,679 imported products (both from EU countries and outside the EU) were examined, of which 82 batches (5%) were rejected as non-compliant due to pesticide residues. In addition, 85 imported batches were given notices due to their pesticide residue content. The residue levels of these batches were at, or slightly exceeded, the MRL but could not be verified as non-compliant due to the measurement uncertainty in the tests.
Of these non-compliant batches, 43 were food products imported directly from non-EU countries to Finland, and 42 batches were food products sold in the internal market, some of which originated from outside the EU. Product batches imported via another EU Member State that originate in third countries are also included in the statistics on intra-EU imports, and the non-compliances are even more frequently related to third countries than these figures indicate. Numerous non-compliances that resulted in the prohibition of import or entry to the market were detected in fresh fruit and vegetables, rice, tea and spices.
The higher proportion of non-compliant food batches compared to previous years is partly explained by follow-up samples. When an importer's lot is found to be non-compliant, subsequent lots are typically also tested. In 2023, a higher number of non-compliances were also detected in follow-up samples.
Control measures
The competent food control authorities carried out the required control measures for all non-compliant products. Non-compliant products were prevented from entering the food product chain, and follow-up samples were taken from subsequent batches before releasing them to the market. Non-compliant product batches were destroyed in most cases. Recall measures were taken in line with the prudence principle for the items that had already been released to the market and which were identified as potentially endangering consumers in the risk assessment. In 2023, the total number of these product batches was 51.
Oiva results
Local food control authorities conducted a total of 26 inspections that focused on the adequacy and effectiveness of self-monitoring controls of pesticide residues within the framework of the Oiva system (Oiva line 17.12). 25 of A-ratings were issued in the Oiva inspections in 2023, meaning that no shortcomings were observed in the management of pesticide residues. One inspection was graded C, “to be corrected”. The number of Oiva inspections of pesticide residues was likely low in relation to the number of inspected sites. As the VATI system develops, an effort will be made to assess the number of sites to be inspected in more detail. The authorities are provided regular training, for example by the control network for contaminants and pesticide residues.