Pesticide residues in products of plant origin in the European union - Sampling strategy and results from the co-ordinated EU monitoring programmes in 1996 and 1997

The results of a co-ordinated monitoring programme for pesticide residues i n the European Union and Norway carried out in 1996 and 1997 are presented. The aim of this programme is to work towards a system, which makes it poss ible to estimate actual dietary pesticide intake for the population of the European Union. Based on a statistically derived sampling plan and within t he limited number of pesticides/commodities analysed, the most critical pes ticides (benomyl group and dithiocarbamates) and commodities (mandarine and lettuce) were identified. In case of detected non-compliances, repeated sa mpling and, if necessary, enforcement actions are to be taken by national a uthorities. The programme will be continued in the next years.