Why is pesticide testing important?

Pesticides are chemical or biological agents that are applied to crops to manage unwanted organisms that threaten yield and quality. They are categorized as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, and growth regulators. Application methods can include soil treatments, aerial spraying, drip irrigation systems, and seed treatments. 

The two primary ways in which pesticides work are systemically, meaning they are absorbed by the plant and provide an internal defense or through contact, in which they remain on the surface of the plant and degrade over time. 

WHY IS PESTICIDE TESTING IMPORTANT?

Pesticide residue testing is important because it ensures that any residue left over from pesticide usage is below the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL), meaning the legal amount that is acceptable for a product to contain. If the residue is above the limit, it can cause negative health effects. Certain compounds are linked endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity when above the set tolerance. 

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for approving and registering pesticides prior to their use. The EPA also establishes Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) under the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C) , which the FDA and USDA enforce. The FDA enforces in fruits, vegetables, grains, and processed foods, while the USDA enforces pesticide limits in meat, poultry, and egg products. Each state also has a pesticide regulatory agency that is responsible for enforcing EPA standards and may create additional regulations. To find the contact info for your state’s regulatory agency click here.

All foods imported to the US must meet the same standards and tolerances set by the EPA. Pesticide limits are regularly updated based on new data under the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA).

HIGH RISK FOODS FOR PESTICIDE RESIDUE 

• Spices
• Leafy greens 
• Berries 
• Fruit
• Root vegetables 
• Grains 
• Meat
• Nuts and seeds
• Baby food and formula
• Fruit juices
• Processed foods 

ORGANIC FOOD PESTICIDE TESTING

Organic farming regulations allow for certain non-synthetic and natural pesticides to be used on food labeled organic but restrict and ban the use of most synthetic pesticides. However, non-natural pesticides can still contaminate organic food so it is important to test organic products to verify that cross contamination has not occurred and that any pesticide residue is below the MRL. 

PESTICIDE RESIDUE IN SPICES 

Spices are among the highest risk food categories for pesticide residues because they are typically grown in tropical regions with high pest pressure. Many spices are also produced outside the US, where pesticide usage is not as heavily regulated. Processing methods such as drying or grinding do not eliminate pesticide residue; in some cases, it can concentrate them. Pesticide testing is especially important for spices because it protects consumers’ health and ensures your product is legally compliant. 

BABY FOOD

Infants and children are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of overexposure to pesticides, due to their developmental stage and size. To protect this vulnerable population the Food Quality and Protection Act (FQPA) was added as an amendment to American pesticide laws with the goal of ensuring MRL’s in food are at safe levels for children and infants. Under the FQPA an additional 10-fold safety margin is required when setting residue limits, unless data indicates a smaller margin is acceptable.