Testfakta’s verification criteria for fruit and vegetables
The selection of substances to be analysed shall be based on relevant substances included in the EU coordinated multiannual control program for pesticide residues, as well as other relevant risk indicators.
- The number of detected active substances must not exceed 5.
- The level of each individual substance must not exceed one third of the EU Maximum Residue Level (MRL).
- The presence of active substances that are not approved or are not covered by applicable maximum residue levels under the EU rules on pesticide residues is not permitted.
Testfakta’s requirements for control and follow-up
The company shall have a documented, risk-based control plan for the analysis of plant protection product residues in its fruit and vegetable range.
The control plan shall describe how the company verifies that products within the range comply with Testfakta’s verification requirements regarding the levels and number of plant protection product residues.
A fundamental prerequisite for an effective control plan is full traceability from the company’s purchases, through any wholesalers, all the way to the grower and the relevant batch.
Controls may be carried out through the company’s own sampling or through documented controls performed by a supplier, distributor or other party in the supply chain, provided that the requirements for traceability and verifiable documentation are met.
Analysis of plant protection product residues shall be carried out by an accredited laboratory using a standardised and fit-for-purpose multi-residue analysis method.
Minimum requirements for ongoing controls
Each new supply chain or newly identified growing source shall be subject to a documented risk assessment and verification analysis, or an equivalent documented analysis from the supply chain, before or in direct connection with deliveries being included in the verified range.
For growers or suppliers that continuously supply the same product, samples for analysis shall be taken at least once every six months.
Products identified as presenting an elevated risk according to the company’s documented risk assessment shall be subject to more frequent sampling.
In the event of non-compliance, previous analytical findings or other identified risks, enhanced controls shall be applied until the risk is deemed to have been adequately addressed.
The following characteristics and circumstances should be taken into account in the risk assessment:
- the product’s risk of exposure
- whether the product is normally consumed with the peel or another directly exposed surface
- products known to present a high risk of plant protection product residues
- historical analytical results
- previous non-compliances
- new origin or changes in growing conditions
- information from public authorities or other relevant risk indicators
Management of non-compliance
The company shall have documented procedures for managing analytical results that do not comply with applicable legal requirements or Testfakta’s verification requirements.
If analysis shows levels exceeding Testfakta’s verification requirements but not the applicable legal limits:
- the supplier and grower shall be notified
- the cause shall be investigated and documented
- corrective measures shall be required where relevant
If analysis shows levels exceeding the applicable legal limits for plant protection product residues:
- the product concerned shall immediately be removed from sale or blocked from distribution
- the supplier and grower shall be notified without delay
- the cause shall be investigated and documented
- the sampling frequency for the product concerned or the relevant supply chain shall be increased until subsequent analyses demonstrate compliance with the requirements
Testfakta’s control and follow-up
Testfakta continuously monitors whether the products or range covered by the label comply with the criteria on which the verification is based. As part of this process, Testfakta reviews regular reports on sampling carried out, including any non-compliances and the measures taken to correct them.
Testfakta also reserves the right to carry out its own sampling and testing. Such checks may be conducted without prior notice and will primarily target products or product categories considered to have a higher risk of non-compliance.
In the event of failure to report, repeated non-compliances, or failure to implement sufficient corrective measures, Testfakta will temporarily suspend or permanently withdraw the right to use the label.