Regulatory Control of Pesticide Residues in Foods

Abstract

The current system of regulatory control of residues of pesticidal chemicals in food is discussed briefly. Activities of the United States Food and Drug Administration in this area include surveillance, information and education activities, regulatory sanctions, and total diet studies. Summarized results during six years (1964 to 1969) are presented. Residues were detected in slightly more than half of the samples examined by surveillance. Residues were generally relatively low with 95% being less than 0.51 ppm and 75 to 80% less than 0.11 ppm. Comparison of results from total diet studies with those from analysis of surveillance samples, showed in general a decrease in pesticide residues when raw agricultural commodities were prepared for consumption. Daily intakes of pesticidal chemicals calculated from the total diet were generally one order of magnitude below acceptable daily intake established by FAO-WHO. The lone exception, was the combined intake of aldrin and dieldrin which approached an acceptable intake. Foods of animal origin, while comprising approximately 25% of the diet, were the major source of chlorinated pesticides. © 1971, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.