Residues under control: why pesticide analysis is critical for food safety

28 October 2025

In the food industry, pesticide residue monitoring has long since ceased to be an administrative requirement. For producers of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, kernels and grains, it is a daily challenge to ensure that their products meet the legal residue limits (MRLs). For consumers, this means certainty and transparency; for producers, protection from recalls, import restrictions and reputational damage. Residue analyses are a strategic investment in food safety. They help companies demonstrate that their products comply with strict European standards, and contribute to customer and end consumer confidence. After all, a single violation can have major consequences, from negative publicity to the temporary withdrawal of products from the market.

What residues and why they are relevant

Not all pesticides are included in standard multi-residue analyses. Depending on the product and origin, additional analyses may be needed for substances that are frequently used, persistent in the environment or pose health risks. Substances such as neonicotinoids, organophosphates, triazole fungicides and pyrethroids are regularly tested for their effectiveness, persistence and potential toxic properties. Glyphosate and glufosinate are widely used worldwide and are also high on analytical agendas due to controversies surrounding possible carcinogenic effects.

For QA specialists, this means that choosing the right analytical method and assessing the relevant residues is crucial. Multi-residue analyses can detect hundreds of substances simultaneously, but some agents such as ethylene oxide require separate tests. In addition, the number of substances tested by laboratories varies; in the Netherlands and Belgium, many laboratories include over 700 substances, while foreign laboratories often analyze only up to 500 substances. These differences can lead to differing conclusions about conformity of the same product.

From laboratory report to practical application

The analysis report is more than a document: it is the basis for risk assessment and decisions in the chain. Normec Foodcare laboratories indicate whether a product exceeds the MRL and whether the ARfD (acute reference dose) is exceeded. The latter is directly relevant to public health.

QA specialists must read these reports critically, taking into account accreditation and methodology. Not all substances in a multi-residue analysis are always covered by accreditation, while standards such as BRCGS, IFS and FSSC 22000 actually require analyses to be performed by accredited laboratories. An understanding of these nuances prevents risks from being overlooked.

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Reporting requirements: Netherlands versus Belgium

When MRLs are exceeded, it is important to know when notification to the regulator is mandatory. In the Netherlands, operators must report potentially unsafe foods to the NVWA within four hours, with decision trees helping determine whether an exceedance poses a real risk to consumers. The review includes the ARfD, the acceptable daily intake (ADI) and the presence of CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic) substances.

Belgium has a similar obligation toward the FASFC, with guidelines and a calculation file to estimate the risk of an exceedance. For processing companies, exceedances of notification limits do not always lead to mandatory notification, provided that the hazard can be eliminated within the company and the cause analysis, risk assessment and corrective measures are traceable.

Residue analysis as a strategic pillar of QA

Residue analysis of pesticides is much more than a laboratory test; it is a strategic pillar of quality assurance that directly contributes to food safety, consumer confidence and sustainable operations. For QA specialists, this means constant vigilance in the selection of analytical methods, the interpretation of laboratory results and the application of national notification procedures. Companies at the forefront of this not only strengthen their position in the market, but also contribute to a safe, transparent and reliable food chain.

With a well-designed analytical framework and a clear reporting structure, residue analysis becomes a powerful tool to manage risks and ensure confidence in products.

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