“Zero Residue” Concept—Implementation and Certification Challenges

This paper gives an overview of scientific challenges in implementing and certifying “Zero residue” approach. The rationale behind the concept is that final control commodities during/immediately after harvesting should confirm traces all used plant protection products are less than or equal to 0.01 mg/kg. To evaluate risks applying this concept, FMEA (Failure Mode Effect Analysis) as a tool has been used. Among most common factors affecting pesticide residue levels fresh produce, following three appeared be biggest implementation certification process: use unregistered products, inadequate sampling plan, inappropriate laboratory methods. analysis showed have strong influence on achieving limits.