The use of plant protection products (PPP) and their residues in foods is supervised jointly by the authorities. The residue control programme is carried out in cooperation with municipal food control authorities (Finnish food products and import products after they end up on the Finnish market), Customs (the EU internal market and third-country import food products of non-animal origin) and the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health Valvira (alcoholic beverages). The Finnish Food Authority monitors PPP residues also in Finnish organic products and food products of animal origin. PPP use is monitored by ELY centres under the supervision of the Finnish Food Authority.
Few non-compliant products found
A total of 2,328 samples were analysed in the control of PPP residues in 2021. Taking into account measurement uncertainty, a total of 71 samples (3%) exceeded the regulatory maximum residue level (MRL) permitted. Thirteen of these samples were in non-compliance with regulations on organic farming and were found to contain residues not authorised in organic products. All the products in non-compliance with regulations on organic farming were fit for ordinary food.
Residue levels below the MRLs permitted were found in a total of 37 samples (5.8%) of the 637 Finnish samples analysed. In addition, one reindeer fat sample was non-compliant because of hexachlorobenzene residue. However, a sample of meat taken from the same animal was compliant. The residue of a PPP not authorised in organic farming was found in two samples of organic products. These were in a small batch of flour and a sample of rye, but no definite reason could be found for the residues.
Of products imported (both from EU countries and from outside of the EU), 956 samples (57%) contained PPP residues. Of the goods, 68 batches were rejected as being non-compliant because of the amounts of PPP residues. Eleven of these batches were organic products which contained residues not authorised in organic products. In addition, a warning was given in respect of 76 batches of imported foods due to PPP residue levels. The residues in these batches were at or slightly above the MRL but because of the measurement uncertainty of the examinations they could not be found to be non-compliant.
Of the non-compliant batches, 60 were foods imported directly into Finland from outside of the EU and 16 were internal market foods, some of which originated outside of the EU. Product batches from third countries arriving through the EU are recorded in EU intra-Community trade import statistics, which is why in reality non-compliances are more pronounced for third countries than these figures indicate. Numerous non-compliances leading to the prohibition of importing or placing on the market were found in Indian and Pakastani rice and Egyptian oranges.
Control measures
For all non-compliant products, the competent food control authorities carried out the measures specified in the regulations. The distribution of all non-compliant imported products to the food chain was halted and follow-up samples of the following batches were taken before allowing the products to be placed on the market. The batches of non-compliant products were as a rule destroyed. In respect of those batches that had reached the market, recall measures from consumers were initiated on the basis of risk assessment were found to pose a potential risk to consumers in accordance with the precautionary principle.
In 2021, recalls under legislation on PPP residues were highlighted in recalls caused by ethylene oxide residues found in additives such as xanthan gum, locust bean powder and psyllium powder. These recalls from the market and from consumers were made in respect of 72 products from numerous different product batches. Based on the risk assessment, notification of 27 non-compliant batches containing PPP residues was sent to other states via the EU’s Rapid Alert System (RASFF).
Oiva results
Municipal food control authorities carried out a total of 20 inspections of the adequacy and functioning of own-checks relating to PPP residues within the framework of the OIVA system (line 17.12). Control sites for PPP residues have been selected in the OIVA system on a risk basis based on effectiveness and extent. In OIVA inspections in 2021, mostly A grades were given, i.e. no shortcomings were found in PPP management. Judging from the results, it can be concluded that there were probably very few inspections of PPP residues carried out in relation to the number of assumed sites for inspection. Training and guidance are still needed to improve the effectiveness and consistency of control. Development of the VATI system will also aim to more accurately assess the number of sites to be inspected.