Study on the method of setting limits for pesticides residues under the positive list system based on the data for pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits collected in Aichi Prefecture (Fiscal Years 2001-2005)

Based on the data for pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits collected in Aichi prefecture (fiscal years 2001-2005), we selected groups of foods and pesticides that would allow efficient and effective inspection under the positive list system. Statistical analyses were done to examine the rates of detection of pesticides and the numbers of kinds of pesticides detected in samples of domestic vegetables, domestic fruits, imported vegetables, and imported fruits. The rate of detection of pesticides has decreased gradually in domestic vegetables. The number of different kinds of pesticides detected in each sample was significant higher in domestic fruits. Data for previous years were reassessed in terms of the present maximum residue limits (MRL), and classified as relative value to the MRL. The proportion of pesticides detected at levels that exceeded the MRLs showed a decreasing tendency. In addition, we were able to identify combinations of pesticides and agricultural commodities in which the MRLs were more likely to be exceeded.