The latest pesticide residue testing results have been described as reassuring by government scientists.

The annual report showed that results throughout 2003 had shown the amount of tested products exceeding the maximum residue level had remained low at just 0.7 per cent.

Dr Ian Brown, chairman of the Pesticides Residue Committee, said the results, collated from tests on more than 4,000 samples throughout the year, were reassuring.

He said: “The results continue to demonstrate the high standard of food safety in the UK. But we are not complacent and we have made changes to strengthen the surveillance scheme.”

These include broadening the sample base to include produce from ports, wholesalers and supply depots, not just retail.

“We’ve also introduced more responsive surveys - our peaches and nectarines survey was published monthly so that any problems could be picked up quickly and followed up with suppliers.”

The annual report shows 99.3 per cent of produce tested was either residue free or below MRL levels, compared with just 75 per cent in 2002.

Among the results, it was discovered that cauliflower, squash, frozen carrots and apple juice were all residue free. Within fresh carrots, only one residue was found in 132 samples.

The committee has also produced a new website, www.prc-uk.org, which is regularly updated with results and information, added Brown.

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