The Constant And Necessary Reduction Of Residues In Eu From Of/Op Plant Protection

Summary

"The real-time management of residues of plant protection products (PPP) is a general issue for food producers and/or exporters. Organic biopesticides are described and listed in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 but the organic regulation is subsidiary to the general PPP regulations. Authorized pesticides under European Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 (Reg. 1107/2009) are granted a maximum residue limit (MRL) defined by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). These maximum residue limits are managed by the European Commission and listed in EC Regulation No 396/2005. However, some Organic plant protection products (phytopharmaceutical products allowed in Organic Production) generate residues (i.e. spinosad, Azadiractin A) and therefore survey of these residues. A “Global residue index” was generated in our institute, taking in consideration 3 classes (LMR respectively in Annex IV; Annex V; Annex II and/or III) with corresponding attributed value (0; 1; 2) characterised by an average value (residue classes sum divided by sum of active substances). The evolution of this “Global residue index” (GRI) value was followed through years."