Residues under control: why pesticide analysis is crucial for food safety

Why pesticide analysis is more than a formality

In the food industry, monitoring pesticide residues has long ceased to be an administrative obligation. For producers of vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, kernels and grains, ensuring that their products comply with the legal residue limits (MRLs) is a daily challenge. For consumers, this means certainty and transparency; for producers, protection against recalls, import restrictions and reputational damage.

Residue analyses are a strategic investment in food safety. They help companies demonstrate that their products comply with strict European standards and contribute to the confidence of buyers and end consumers. After all, a single exceedance can have major consequences, from negative publicity to the temporary withdrawal of products from the market.

Which residues and why they are relevant

Not all pesticides are included in standard multi-residue analyses. Depending on the product and its origin, additional analyses may be necessary for substances that are frequently used, persistent in the environment or pose health risks. Substances such as neonicotinoids, organophosphates, triazole fungicides and pyrethroids are regularly tested because of their effectiveness, persistence and potential toxic properties. Glyphosate and glufosinate are widely used worldwide and are also high on the analysis agenda due to controversies surrounding their potential carcinogenic effects.

For QA specialists, this means that choosing the right analysis method and assessing the relevant residues is crucial. Multi-residue analyses can detect hundreds of substances at once, but some agents such as ethylene oxide require separate tests. The number of substances tested by laboratories varies; in the Netherlands and Belgium, many laboratories test more than 700 substances, while laboratories abroad often only analyse up to 500 substances. These differences can lead to divergent conclusions about the conformity of the same product.

From laboratory report to practical application

The analysis report is more than just a document: it forms the basis for risk assessment and decisions in the chain. Normec Foodcare laboratories indicate whether a product exceeds the MRL and whether the ARfD (acute reference dose) is exceeded. The latter is directly relevant to public health.

QA specialists must read these reports critically, taking accreditation and methodology into account. Not all substances in a multi-residue analysis are always covered by accreditation, while standards such as BRCGS, IFS and FSSC 22000 require analyses to be carried out by accredited laboratories. A good understanding of these nuances prevents risks from being overlooked.

Reporting obligation: the United Kingdom versus Belgium

When MRLs are exceeded, it is important to know when reporting to the supervisory authority is mandatory. In the Netherlands, businesses must report potentially unsafe food products to the

NVWA within four hours, with decision trees helping to determine whether an exceedance poses an actual risk to consumers. The assessment includes the ARfD, the acceptable daily intake (ADI) and the presence of CMR substances (carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic).

In Belgium, a similar obligation applies to the FASFC, with guidelines and a calculation file to assess the risk of an exceedance. For processing companies, exceeding reporting limits does not always lead to a mandatory report, provided that the hazard can be eliminated within the company and the cause analysis, risk assessment and corrective measures are traceable.

Residue analysis as a strategic pillar of QA

Pesticide residue analysis is much more than a laboratory test; it is a strategic pillar of quality assurance that directly contributes to food safety, consumer confidence and sustainable business practices. For QA specialists, this means that they must be constantly alert to the selection of analysis methods, the interpretation of laboratory results and the application of national reporting procedures. Companies that are at the forefront of this not only strengthen their position in the market, but also contribute to a safe, transparent and reliable food chain.

With a well-designed analytical framework and a clear reporting structure, residue analysis becomes a powerful tool for managing risks and ensuring confidence in products.