New test for potato pesticide residues

A new test has been launched by Eurofins Agro UK to detect pesticide residue detection.

Booked online, it comes some farm assurance schemes have implemented the need for growers to test every year – or at least have an evidence-based justification for fewer tests.

The potato industry is expected to make significant changes to the way potatoes are stored following the loss of approval for chlorpropham (CIPC). This may include the use of other chemicals like maleic hydrazide and 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene.

Farm assurance schemes are keen to see crops tested for potential residues to prevent chemicals being transferred to the food chain. Eurofins Agro offers a UKAS accredited pesticide residue test for potatoes which costs £160 per one kilo sample.

“The tests can be booked and paid for online, and results from samples that are sent directly to our laboratory take between three and four weeks,” said Sophie Cath, from Eurofins Agro UK.

The UK’s system of statutory Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) represent the maximum safe amounts of residue likely to remain in food products when a pesticide has been correctly used by growers who adhere to good agricultural practice, said Ms Cath.

Vital data

“By using our tests, growers will receive vital data to ensure products are fit for purpose and will be able to provide evidence to regulators and consumers that potatoes are safe by demonstrating that any residues present are below regulatory limits, or MRLs.”

Potatoes form a significant part of the UK diet and monitoring shows that sometines the crop contains pesticide residues – albeit at safe levels. The UK food industry continues to keep these residues to a minimum.

Until approval was withdrawn, chlorpropham was seen as a vital tool to control sprouting in stored portatoes. It was applied to about 3.5m tonnes of potatoes stored each year in the UK but alternative strategies are now used.