Chemical Residues

Maximum Residue Limits:

Pesticide residues on crops are monitored with reference to Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) based on analysis of the quantity of a product remaining on food product samples.

• MRL's are established by the APVMA and later ratified by FSANZ
• There is a delay before FSANZ adopt a MRL
• If there is no FSANZ MRL in place, any detection of an agricultural chemical above zero is a violation

Witholding period:

The time (days or weeks) stated on a product label, between application of the product and harvest

• Ensures use will meet the acceptable Australian MRL
• International markets may have different MRL's
• You must confirm that 'off-label' product residue levels are 'not detected' by laboratory analysis
• See also: Matters of Facts No. 03 download pdf 87kb
  

No.13 download pdf 312kb