Brussels, 20/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - Pesticide and antibiotic residues in animals are, with only a few exceptions, within tolerable limits set by EU law and this has been the situation for three years. However, more can be done on the residues of other chemical substances, according to the latest report - for 2010 - published by the European Commission on Tuesday 20 March.
The report reveals that of the 736,806 analytical results collected by member states, only 0.33% of the samples taken (from foodstuffs of animal origin, from live animals, from animal feed and from drinking water) failed to meet the standards on pesticide residues (this is within the range of 0.32 % to 0.34 % of the previous three years), 0.15% contained growth hormones banned by law, and 0.23% contained antibiotic residues other than those authorised (only those to be administered to animals for treatment).
The highest level of non-compliance - 1.5% of samples - related to persistent substances, such as dioxins, and heavy metals, such as lead and copper.
Food products imported into the EU are also covered by the report. In 2010, the level of non-compliance was very low. Of 5,377 samples, only 0.76% did not meet the demands of EU law. Before third countries can legally export food products to the EU, they must meet animal health requirements and need to submit monitoring plans, the results of which must be sent to the Commission for approval. (AN/transl.rt)