Chemical residues related to food safety

Agricultural and veterinary chemical residues in food resulting from the us e of registered chemicals in food production very rarely cause human illnes s, although there is a perception within the community that they are a majo r health hazard. The manufacture and application of chemicals, particularly in the agricultural environment, can be a health hazard. The key point for food safety, however, is ensuring that the level of a chemical in food con sumed does not exceed the 'acceptable daily intake', a level derived from t oxicological evaluation of the chemical by health authorities. Monitoring o f chemical residues in food in Australia is described.