A comparative study of allowable pesticide residue levels on produce in the United States

Globalization and Health

Keeve E Nachman¹  Anne C Rosenthal²  Kathleen Dolan³  Linnea I Laestadius⁴  Jennifer C Hartle¹  Roni A Neff¹ 

[1] Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205-2179, USA;Fulbright Scholar, Center for Studies on Sustainable Development, CP 130/02, 50 av. F. Roosevelt, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, 2231 Crystal Drive, Suite 450, Arlington, Virginia 22202, USA;Department of Health Policy & Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205-2179, USA

关键词: Food Safety;    Policy;    International Trade;    Agriculture;    Pesticides;   

Others  :  819554
DOI  :  10.1186/1744-8603-8-2

 received in 2011-07-07, accepted in 2012-01-31,  发布年份 2012

【 摘 要 】

Background

The U.S. imports a substantial and increasing portion of its fruits and vegetables. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently inspects less than one percent of import shipments. While countries exporting to the U.S. are expected to comply with U.S. tolerances, including allowable pesticide residue levels, there is a low rate of import inspections and few other incentives for compliance.

Methods

This analysis estimates the quantity of excess pesticide residue that could enter the U.S. if exporters followed originating country requirements but not U.S. pesticide tolerances, for the top 20 imported produce items based on quantities imported and U.S. consumption levels. Pesticide health effects data are also shown.

Results

The model estimates that for the identified items, 120 439 kg of pesticides in excess of U.S. tolerances could potentially be imported to the U.S., in cases where U.S. regulations are more protective than those of originating countries. This figure is in addition to residues allowed on domestic produce. In the modeling, the top produce item, market, and pesticide of concern were oranges, Chile, and Zeta-Cypermethrin. Pesticides in this review are associated with health effects on 13 body systems, and some are associated with carcinogenic effects.

Conclusions

There is a critical information gap regarding pesticide residues on produce imported to the U.S. Without a more thorough sampling program, it is not possible accurately to characterize risks introduced by produce importation. The scenario presented herein relies on assumptions, and should be considered illustrative. The analysis highlights the need for additional investigation and resources for monitoring, enforcement, and other interventions, to improve import food safety and reduce pesticide exposures in originating countries.

【 授权许可】

   
2012 Neff et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

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