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EC regulation on maximum residue levels of pesticides

In the EU, from September 2008 onwards, a new regulation comes into force which lays down revised rules for pesticide residues. This regulation covers all agricultural products intended for food or animal feed. MRLs for 315 fresh products are listed, but these MRLs also apply to the same products after processing, adjusted to take account of dilution or concentration during the process. It covers pesticides currently or formerly used in agriculture in or outside the EU (around 1100). It also covers the safety of all consumer groups, including, for example, babies, children and vegetarians. The safety assessment for consumers is undertaken by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), based on the toxicity of the pesticide, the maximum levels expected on food and the different diets of European consumers.

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