Testing Fresh Produce for Chemical Residues

Since 1987, the Department of Primary Industries (formerly NRE) has been running an annual residue testing program for chemicals and other contaminants in fresh, Victorian grown produce. The program is called the Victorian Produce Monitoring Program (VPMP), and aims to ensure that the application of agricultural chemicals to agricultural produce is appropriate, and meets national food safety standards. In addition to the targeted VPMP, DPI also conducts larger random testing programs for export orientated horticultural industries.

Survey results consistently find that Victorian produce meets stringent national standards for contaminants (known as Maximum Residue Limits) which are set by the Federal Agency,Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) (external link). The results are comparable to those produced by similar national and international targeted residue-testing programs. For example, the results from NRE’s targeted and random residue monitoring programs from 2000/2001 found that of the 847 samples taken, 99% of samples met the acceptable standards.

The information generated from these two types of programs helps manage potential risks of farm chemical use and to confirm that produce is free from unacceptable residues.

Targeted Victorian Produce Monitoring Program I Random Monitoring of Export Produce I Monitoring Victoria’s Clean Food I Strict Limits Apply I Ensuring Good Practice with Farm Chemicals I Surveys Prove Performance I Frequently Asked Questions I National Residue Survey

Targeted Victorian Produce Monitoring Program

The main objective of the VPMP is to confirm that agricultural chemicals are being used according to good agricultural practice and that produce is free from unacceptable levels of agricultural chemicals and heavy metal residues. This program has been running since 1987.

The program monitors levels of residues in selected types of Victorian grown produce. These programs are designed to assess agricultural produce and chemical combinations that may be of concern.

To view the attached PDFs you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. A free copy can be downloaded from Adobe Acrobat (external link).

VPMP 2007/08 Report (PDF 1478KB)
VPMP 2006 Report (PDF 428KB)
VPMP 2005 Report (PDF 841KB)
VPMP 2004 Report (PDF 280KB)
VPMP 2003 Report (PDF 392KB)
VPMP 2002 Report (PDF 245KB)

Random Monitoring of Export Produce

Since 2000, DPI has also worked with several of Victoria’s major horticultural export industries to conduct larger, random residue monitoring programs. These types of programs take a large number of samples in a random manner to ensure statistical validity. These programs assist the industry and government to ensure that the produce is ‘clean’.

Asparagus B&W (PDF 143KB)
Navel Oranges Residue Survey (PDF 150KB)

Page Top Monitoring Victoria’s Clean Food Fresh Victorian produce is closely monitored by Government to identify the presence of residues from farm chemicals and environmental contaminants. Results consistently show that Vi ctorian produce is of a high quality with respect to residues and contaminants. Victoria has a well deserved reputation for high quality, clean and healthy food production. Consumers associate our agricultural produce as being amongst the best in the world. As part of Government and industry efforts to safeguard this reputation, the Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) undertakes regular monitoring of fresh fruit and vegetables for chemical residues and other contaminants. The results from many years of residue monitoring demonstrate to consumers that Victorian grown produce is clean.

Strict Limits Apply

The Federal Government’s food safety authority (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) sets strict limits on the amounts of chemical contaminants allowed in food. These are known as Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and apply to farm chemicals, contaminants and natural toxins which can be present in food. MRLs are set to protect human health and take account of the amount and types of food eaten in the average Australian diet. They have a significant safety margin to ensure that there is no risk to food safety at normal consumption levels. Meeting MRL standards also demonstrates good agricultural practice in the use of farm chemicals.

Ensuring Good Practice with Farm Chemicals

Across Victoria, DPI staff work with farmers to improve practices to control pests. Practices such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in horticulture reduce the risk of unacceptable residues on food.

To ensure the excellent standard of Victorian produce is maintained, DPI regularly conducts produce monitoring surveys. This monitoring helps to identify potential new risks to health, trade or the environment. Since 1987, an annual targeted monitoring program has tested fruit and vegetables thought to be of highest risk for residues. In recent years, this program has been complemented by larger, statistically valid surveys ensuring that Victoria leads the country in the extent of residue monitoring surveys of local produce.

If unacceptable residues are detected in produce through DPI monitoring programs, a trace back to the property of origin is conducted. The source and cause of the unacceptable residue is determined and action taken to prevent future occurrence.

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Surveys Prove Performance

From the years 2000 - 2003, DPI undertook four large scale produce monitoring surveys to develop statistically robust data on the incidence of residues in produce. This involved testing hundreds of samples of asparagus, citrus, stone fruit and certified organic produce, for a range of chemicals. More than 99% of samples tested met acceptable standards for residues and contaminants in food. In fact, most samples tested contained no detectable residues at all. Rigorous produce monitoring surveys will continue to be a key part of DPI’s approach to identifying and managing potential risks from farm chemical use and to help promote clean food to domestic and international markets.

Fresh Victorian produce is closely monitored by Government to identify the presence of residues from farm chemicals and environmental contaminants. Results consistently show that Victorian produce is of a high quality with respect to residues and contaminants.

Frequently Asked Questions Why does the Government test food for chemicals? To ensure that farm chemicals are being used correctly and meeting strict standards for residues in food. This information helps to validate Victoria’s clean and green reputation. How often is the testing done? Every year since 1987, the Victorian Government has run a targeted testing program of fresh produce where fruit or vegetables deemed to be at risk are tested for chemicals of interest. This annual, targeted survey is known as the Victorian Produce Monitoring Program. In recent years, larger scale programs have also been undertaken for key export commodities as part of the Naturally Victorian Initiative. These larger surveys provide statistically robust information on the potential levels of residues in produce. What is sampled? The Victorian Government has tested thousands of different types of plant products from the horticulture and grain industries. Over the years, hundreds of different types of produce have been tested from apples to zucchinis. Other agricultural products such as meat, milk and wheat are tested through national programs under the Federal Government. Additional testing of fresh produce is also undertaken through private programs conducted by industry and retail organisations. What are the results? The results continue to demonstrate the safety of Victorian produce. For example, over the years 2000–2003, tests were done on over 1200 samples and more than 99 per cent of samples tested met acceptable standards for chemical residues in food. Most samples tested contained no detectable residues. Where does the produce come from? Produce tested is grown by Victorian farmers and purchased by DPI from wholesale outlets through out Victoria. The sample profile represents what is sold through supermarkets, greengrocers and other retail outlets to consumers. Samples are taken according to international standards so that for example, at least ten individual apples are taken for one apple sample. What happens when a residue is found? Results from the laboratory are compared with the strict limits for chemical contaminants allowed in food which are set by the Federal Government’s food safety authority (Food Standards Australia New Zealand). These are known as Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). If detections are above or near these limits, samples are traced back to the farm of origin to identify the problem so that corrective action can be taken by an Authorised Officer of DPI. Does this mean that 1% is not safe for Victorians? No. It simply means that this portion doesn’t meet the high standards Victoria expects for chemical residues. The standards are set at very sensitive levels as a trigger for action to be taken before there is any likelihood of a risk to human health. How do we compare with other types of surveys? Victorian produce is amongst the best in the world. On a local level, survey results compare favourably with similar surveys conducted by other States and the Federal Government. Internationally, results demonstrate that Victorian produce is cleaner than those tested through like-surveys in other countries. Page Top National Residue Survey The National Residue Survey (NRS) was established in 1961 by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to measure pesticide residues in meat exports. Selected Australian animal and plant products are tested for residues of agricultural and veterinary chemicals and environmental contaminants on behalf of participating industries. NRS assists participating industries to access key export and domestic markets by underpinning industry quality assurance programs. The Chemical Standards Branch is responsible for investigating any Victorian residue violations detected through the NRS Plant Programme, which includes ten grain commodities and five horticultural products. Further information on the NRS, including annual reports can be accessed from DAFF (external link). Chemical Use Home	How the program works Plan program to target 'at risk' chemicals and produce
	Collect samples
	Testing at laboratory for chemicals of interest
	Traceback on unacceptable residues and work with the farmer to prevent future problems
	Report to industry and interested public