ANALYSIS OF THE EUROPEAN SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AGROCHEMICAL RESIDUES IN FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTS
Keywords:
agrochemical residues, fruit and vegetable products, EFSA, monitoring, maximum residue levels (MRLs), risk assessment, Ukraine.Abstract
The intensification of agriculture often poses the risk of chemical hazards appearing in fruit and vegetable products. The most frequent issue is the presence of agrochemical residues. Considering Ukraine's European integration processes and the export orientation of domestic producers, the aim of this study was to analyze the European Union’s system for monitoring agrochemical residues in fruit and vegetable products, identifying key trends and existing challenges.
To achieve this goal, official reports from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for the period 2020–2023 were analyzed.
The analysis of the research results contained in the reports shows a high level of compliance of European fruit and vegetable products with the established Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). In 2022, 88.7% of the analyzed product samples complied with the established requirements. It should also be noted that 51.4% of the studied samples (6,023 samples) did not contain quantifiable levels of agrochemical residues. In 2023, among the sample pool analyzed under the EU MACP (Multi-Annual Control Programme), 96.3% complied with EU legislation. Specifically, 58% contained no quantifiable residues, 38.3% contained residues within permissible limits, and 3.7% exceeded them. Some of the identified non-compliances concerned products imported from Ukraine. However, the number of non-compliances regarding food products exported from Ukraine was not significantly higher compared to other exporting countries and shows a direct proportional relationship to the volume of exports.
The European monitoring system demonstrates high efficiency in controlling the safety of fruit and vegetable products. Key success factors include the coordination of monitoring, standardization of analytical methods, a risk-based approach, and effective communication of results. Ukraine needs to adopt EU best practices to enhance the safety of domestic products and increase export potential.
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