Further tightening of pesticide import controls

Compliance with European limits for pesticide residues remains high. That is according to new figures from food safety authority EFSA, based on more than 125,000 food samples analyzed across Europe. At the same time, the report shows growing attention toward import flows and border inspections. Authorities continue to closely monitor products from outside the EU for exceedances of residue limits.

According to EFSA, the risk to public health remains low. The findings also align with results from previous years.

Greater focus on import controls

For the first time, EFSA’s report separately outlines which results stem from stricter import inspections at the EU’s external borders. These checks focus on specific products, countries, and risks, including pesticide residues.

Of the 39,433 import samples analyzed, 38.3% contained no measurable residues. Residues within permitted limits were found in 56.2% of samples. In 5.5% of cases, levels exceeded European standards. Ultimately, 3.6% were classified as non-compliant. Shipments remain at the border until laboratory results become available. Only products that comply with European regulations are allowed onto the market.

High compliance within EU programs

Under the EU-coordinated control program, a total of 9,842 samples were analyzed in 2024. These included eggplants, bananas, broccoli, bell peppers, grapes, olive oil, wheat, bovine fat, and eggs. Of these samples, 98.8% complied with European legislation. That figure is nearly identical to 2021, when the same product group was examined.

No measurable residues were found in 43.1% of the samples. Another 54.5% contained residues within the maximum residue limits. Exceedances were identified in 2.4% of samples. Of those, 1.2% were ultimately classified as non-compliant after accounting for measurement uncertainty.

National controls remain stable

Compliance levels also remained stable within national control programs. Of the 86,449 samples analyzed, 98.2% complied with European MRLs. Nearly 60% of the samples contained no measurable residues. Residues within legal limits were found in 38.3% of samples. In 3.3% of cases, levels exceeded the standard. Ultimately, 1.8% were classified as non-compliant.

EFSA also assessed potential consumer exposure to pesticide residues. According to the authority, the health risk associated with the products analyzed remains low.

Efsa.europa.eu