PPP residues on foods must not have any health effects for consumers. In addition, they must not be higher than what is necessary for “good agricultural practice”. Both of these factors are considered for PPP approval. Residue level is substantially influenced by agricultural use. The manner of application, the quantity applied and the time elapsed between application and harvest (the so-called ‘waiting period’) are important factors here. Agroscope experts assess the residues to be expected in plant foods based on residue trials submitted by the companies with their approval dossier. Based on these data, it is checked whether the maximum residue levels (MRLs) valid in Switzerland are being complied with, or new MRLs are derived and their determination requested.
Links
The current maximum residue levels for Switzerland are listed in Annexe 2 of the «Verordnung des EDI über die Höchstgehalte für Pestizidrückstände in oder auf Erzeugnissen pflanzlicher und tierischer Herkunft» (VPRH) "Ordinance of the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs FDHA on the maximum residue levels for pesticides in or on products of plant and animal origin (VPRH)".
For many combinations of active substances and foods, the VPRH refers to EU Decrees. The maximum EU values are available in the «EU Pesticides Database».
Guidelines for conducting and assessing residue tests and deriving maximum residue levels
Checkliste zu Rückstandsdaten (Checklists for residue data)
