Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 453: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of mushrooms samples tested annually on behalf of her Department since 2002, for residues of banned additives; if she has satisfied herself that this sampling plan is adequate to ensure confidence in the safety of the produce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37785/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Pesticide Residue Monitoring Programme is a risk based programme which is agreed between my Department and the Food Safety Authority on an annual basis. There are detailed discussions between the FSAI and the DAF prior to determining the numbers of samples of each of the different food commodities to be included in the monitoring plan. This plan takes account of the dietary importance of mushrooms and other food commodities in the Irish diet and also takes account of information relating to the pesticide residue profile of these crops. In Ireland mushroom producers also participate in quality assurance schemes which provide assurance, among other things, that the crops are cultivated with proper use of plant protection products.

In the years 2000, 2001 and 2002 the number of mushroom samples analysed for pesticide residues included samples taken by An Bord Glas. The results which are published in the Department's annual report 'Pesticides Residues in Food' contained the results of between 40 and 50 mushroom samples per year.

Since 2002, the number of mushroom samples analysed annually under the Department's residue monitoring programme was 9 or 10 samples. This number compares favourably with other EU countries, where e.g., 10 mushroom samples were analysed in Sweden, 48 in the UK, 12 in the Netherlands and 19 in Belgium in 2005. The numbers taken were based on a risk analysis which was significantly influenced by the fact that there was no exceeding of the Maximum Residue Level for mushrooms sampled in Ireland since 1994.

In the event that illegal pesticide residues or levels exceeding Maximum Residue Levels of approved pesticides were detected then in agreement with the FSAI appropriate follow up action would take place. This would include tracing back to the producer and if it was determined that there was an unacceptable risk to the consumer the seizure and destruction of the product would take place.

I am satisfied that the existing sampling and testing arrangements for pesticides in mushrooms and the associated contingency arrangements are adequate to ensure the safety of mushrooms.