EU seal of approval for food pesticide controls
An FVO audit was carried out in Ireland between Sep 26 and 30 in 2011.
Officials found that the Irish authorities have established an effective system of controls. In particular, Irish inspection of the use of agro-chemicals, during cross-compliance checks on farms as part of the Single Payment Scheme, was found to be a key factor in the effectiveness of Irish controls.
Random controls on pesticide residues were found to be well developed and implemented. Sampling was representative of the market, and included produce home-grown, from other member states, and outside the EU.
No processed cereal-based foods or baby foods were being analysed, but there was a well developed and implemented control system in place overall for use of agro-chemicals and control of pesticide residues in food, said FVO officials.
nIn contrast, British authorities have been taken to task by the FVO over potential weaknesses in their bovine TB eradication programme.
With TB incidence at best static, and possibly deteriorating in England, FVO officials found fault with numerous movement derogations, pre-movement test exemptions (including extended time intervals between testing and movement), operation of “linked” holdings over large geographical areas, incomplete herd testing, and operation of specialist units under restriction, which lacked necessary bio-security arrangements.
Some key targets in removal of reactors from breakdown herds, and in epidemiological enquiries, were not being met.
FVO officials said the fragmented system of controls involved a number of responsible bodies, and a lack of co-ordination (particularly with local authorities) made it difficult to ensure that basic practices to prevent infection/spread of disease (such as effective cleaning and disinfection of vehicles and markets) were carried out satisfactorily.
British authorities said delay in implementing a managed cull of badgers remains the major obstacle to progress in TB eradication.
