asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will make a statement indicating the limits, if any, which apply to the maximum concentration of pesticide residues that are permitted in fruit and vegetables on sale in Ireland; the nature of any EC directives on this issue that may be in force; the extent to which any such directives may apply in the State; the nature and extent of monitoring on the issue carried out by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Pesticide Control Regulations.
41.
Statutory controls on the maximum level of pesticide residues permitted in fresh fruit and vegetables for sale in this country have been in operation since 1979 under the European Communities (Pesticides Residues) (Fruit and Vegetables) Regulations, 1979 to 1985. The regulations implement EC directives which list a schedule of pesticides and the maximum residue levels permitted in each case for the whole range of fresh or chilled fruit and vegetables.
Officials of my Department regularly inspect and take samples from consignments of both home grown and imported produce which are subjected to laboratory tests to check conformity with the requlations. In the event of an excess of pesticide residue being found, there is provision in the regulations for seizure of the produce or a restriction on further imports. There is also provision for the prosecution of offenders.