The results from the Pesticide Residue Committee (PRC) Survey, published on 10 March, suggest that further emphasis is required within some producing countries to ensure they fully appreciate this complex issue, especially during the period of EU review and harmonisation of Maximum Residue Levels (MRL).

Many have been effectively reduced to a zero tolerance level, which inevitably will lead to technical exceedences. A technical exceedence occurs when an MRL has been set at the Limit of Determination (LOD) because there has been no data provided by the producer country or manufacturer to support a higher level.

The chairman of the PRC, Dr Ian Brown, stated in the latest report: “It is important to stress that the positive effects of eating fresh fruit and vegetables as part of a balanced healthy diet far outweigh any concern about pesticide residues.”

On behalf of the fresh produce industry, the FPC has proactively implemented a series of initiatives to promote business awareness and good practice. This strategy includes:

1. Publication of the 4th edition of the FPC Code of Practice for the Control of Pesticides

2. Embassies of exporting countries advised of the changing EU pesticide legislation seeking their involvement to ensure growers and exporters take all necessary action to meet the changing EU legislation

3. A proactive pesticide working group which includes representatives from the industry and relevant government organisations

4. Providing advice and guidance to members as necessary

5. Currently developing a business support service for smaller businesses, who often have insufficient resources to employ large specialist technical teams, but are committed to providing safe and wholesome products for their customers and consumers alike. This service includes a comprehensive review of current practices and the installation of management systems including residue analysis to promote compliance with the FPC Code of Practice where necessary.

This demonstrates the industry's commitment to provide high quality products, safely.

• We would like to thank Nigel Law of Compagnie Fruitière who has stood down from the office of Importers Division vice chairman after three years in the post. We offer a big welcome and many congratulations to Jim Rogers of Fesa UK who is the newly elected vice chairman.

We would also like to give a special thanks to Jacques Onona for his service over many years, representing first the Fruit Importers Association and then the FPC Importers Division within EucofeL, Freshfel and the EU Apple and Pear Advisory Committee.

The FPC Importers Division's next meeting will take place in April at Waitrose Headquarters in Bracknell. The venue was chosen in the light of Waitrose winning the 2004 Re:Fresh Multiple Retailer of the Year award. Numbers are limited so if you are an FPC importer member and wish to attend this meeting, please contact Angie at the FPC office without delay for further information.