Levels and Incidences of Pesticide Residues in Selected Agricultural Food Commodities Available in Canada

Abstract

Abstract During the 32 month period ending December 31, 1991, Agriculture Canada analyzed 13 230 samples of agricultural food commodities for pesticide residues. Both domestic and imported commodities were tested. A multiresidue method that can detect over 200 analytes was routinely used. Results in violation of Canadian tolerances were discerned in 224 samples. An additional 2501 samples contained at least one pesticide residue at a detectable but nonviolative level. Violations most often result from pesticide–commodity combinations for which there is no established specific tolerance.