The number of food samples containing pesticide residues remains low, according to the latest Pesticide Residues Committee’s quarterly report.

Overall, 65% of the 1126 samples of 22 different foods tested had no detectable residues and 33.3% contained levels below the legally permitted maximum residues level (MRL).

Just 19 samples (1.7%) contained residues above the maximum permitted level, although none of these were likely to cause concern for human health, said PRC chairman, Ian Brown.

“We have looked carefully at each of these exceedances and in every case the presence of these residues was unlikely to have resulted in any adverse health effects for consumers.

“We have asked suppliers for an explanation of our findings. The results should reassure consumers that the food they eat continues to be safe.”

A copy of the report is available at www.pesticides.gov.uk