91997E4012

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4012/97 by John Iversen (PSE) to the Commission (14 January 1998)

Subject: Pesticide residues in grapes

Is the Commission aware that several varieties of European grapes have been discovered on the German market with more than the permitted pesticide content? Öko Test in Germany tested 30 different grape varieties, several of which exceeded the permitted pesticide-residue levels, in some cases by over 100%.

Does the Commission believe that existing inspection arrangements are effective in guaranteeing consumers safe products?

Does the Commission recognize the problem that total pesticide levels in fruit can far exceed the permitted limit values for individual substances?

What action does the Commission intend to take to ensure that consumers are not thus receiving such large quantities of pesticides when they eat fruit?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (17 February 1998)

The Commission is aware that during 1996 the German authorities examined 188 samples of table grapes and that pesticide levels above the maximum residue level (MRL) were detected in four of these. In one sample, residues of two pesticides at levels above their respective MRLs were detected.

The four samples with levels over the MRL were from consignments of grapes produced in Member States and it is understood that the German authorities informed the authorities of the originating Member State directly of these infringements.

The Commission considers that the amendments to Directive 90/642/EEC of 27 November 1990 on the fixing of maximum levels for pesticide residues in and on certain products of plant origin, including fruit and vegetables ((OJ L 350, 14.12.1990. )) made by Council Directive 97/41/EC of 25 June 1997 amending Directives 76/895/EEC, 86/362/EEC, 86/363/EEC and 90/642/EEC relating to the fixing of maximum levels for pesticide residues in and on, respectively, fruit and vegetables, cereals, foodstuffs of animal origin, and certain products of plan origin, including fruit and vegetables ((OJ L 184, 12.7.1997. )), due to be implemented by the Member States by 31 December 1998, will provide a framework for increased effectiveness of the arrangements for inspection and monitoring of pesticide residues. The Commission intends to make the detailed implementing rules necessary for the proper functioning of the amended provisions before that date.