MEP Wants Tighter, Clearer, Rules On Pesticide Residue Levels

摘要

A British member of the European Parliament has said that an EU draft law for harmonising maximum residue levels (MRLs) of pesticides in produce should comply with international standards, have clearer rules on who does what, and establish MRLs for further product types. The 2003 proposal, for a regulation on maximum residue levels of pesticides in products of plant and animal origin, is important as it will define the maximum levels of residues to be allowed in food products, fruit and imported crops EU-wide. Drawing together four existing EU directives on MRLs, it should streamline the different member state threshold allowances under a phased approach. The Commission says it should do away with any distortions of competition and simplify the task of manufacturers and retailers trading across boarders.