Monitoring of residues of plant protection products in foodstuffs in Switzerland (FSVO Programme – Results 2021)

The Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) has developed a monitoring program for residues of plant protection products in foodstuffs in Switzerland. In the scope of this programme, that began in 2019 with a preliminary study, samples of foodstuffs are taken annually and analysed for the presence of residues of plant protection products (see also: the 2020 Report).

The sampling plan is established based on the production and consumption of plant-based foodstuffs in Switzerland, and takes into account performance indicators along the food chain in the National Control Plan.

From January to December 2021, 414 samples of plant-based foodstuffs (Swiss conventional production) were taken from commercial outlets (supermarkets, local shops and markets, in 11 Swiss cantons) and analyzed for the presence of residues of plant-protection products.

A total of 414 samples were collected and analyzed. In 218 cases (53%) one or more residues were detected above the limit of quantification (> LOQ). The Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) was exceeded in only one sample (0.2% of all samples). Taking into account the analytical uncertainty reported by the laboratory, this sample was considered, however, to be in conformity with the regulatory use.

The full report (in French) presents the detailed results of the 2021 analyses.