Pesticide residues

There are currently around 650 pesticides authorised for use in Germany. Even when used properly and as directed, residues may remain on the harvested crop. Pesticide residues are the remains of active ingredients and their breakdown products on or in a food. Such breakdown products can be formed in the plant metabolism or under the influence of sunlight.

Plant protection products are used at different times during the growing season. Their active ingredients degrade at different rates. In particular, if they are used shortly before harvest or if their active ingredients are rather long-lasting, residues must be expected at harvest time. These residues levels should be kept low enough that they cannot harm the health of consumers, neither through a lifelong daily intake nor through a single consumption of large quantities of food.