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<p>Maximum residue levels (MRLs) are set so as to reflect the highest amount of pesticide
residue expected in food when a pesticide is used in accordance with its authorisation.
This means that a residue level above the relevant MRL does not necessarily indicate
an unacceptable risk for consumers.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>‘Roundup’ is the
trade name of one product among many herbicides which contain the active substance
glyphosate. The Government has undertaken 2,046 tests for glyphosate in the last five
years. During 2011, 17 samples of lentils and three samples of pulses contained residues
above the permitted MRL. An assessment of these findings found no concerns for human
health from these residues. The MRL for lentils did not reflect glyphosate use permitted
outside the EU. After proper technical assessment, that MRL was subsequently raised
to accommodate such use. All the earlier lentil samples contained residues below the
new MRL. Results are published online by the Expert Committee on Pesticide Residues
in Food.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Crops or proteins produced exclusively for
animal consumption are not currently subject to EU MRLs. However, crops such as soya
that are grown for both human and animal consumption are subject to MRLs set under
Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. The current MRLs set for glyphosate are published in
Commission Regulation (EU) No 293/2013.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The Government
has not conducted any analytical tests for glyphosate on corn (maize) or rape seeds.
Commodities tested include bread, flour, oats, wheat, noodles, cereal bars, infant
food, beer, soya products, rice, lentils and pulses.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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