THE ADI AS A BASIS TO ESTABLISH STANDARDS FOR PESTICIDE-RESIDUES IN FOOD-PRODUCTS FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture to control a variety of detr imental organisms. As a consequence, low but measurable amounts of res idues may be found in the food supply including food intended for infa nts and young children. This has been the cause of some alarm since it is difficult for the general public to understand the magnitude of he alth risk associated with the consumption of food contaminated with lo w levels of potentially toxic chemicals. In this safety-based regulati ons for pesticide residues that ensure the protection of infants and y oung children are of crucial importance. In this article we discuss th e applicability of the ADI to infants and children with regards to pes ticides and outline a proposal which has been devised to establish res idue limits for finished baby food products.