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Currently, differences in definition exist for "pesticide residues" in food for general consumption and for baby food.
The special law for baby food currently clearly defines the term pesticide residue (see reference 1). For general foodstuffs, the definition is much broader (see reference 2). This can occasionally lead to confusion in the interpretation practice of authorities. In the so-called REFIT procedure, Regulations (EC) No. 396/2005 and (EC) No. 1107/2009 are also reviewed. Depending on the legal area, there are different regulations or requirements for individual substances. Therefore, the intention is to better harmonise these regulations. As a result, it is being considered to align the definition from the special law for baby food with the much broader definition from Regulation 396/2005.
This would also mean including substances which in themselves do not constitute plant protection products in the strict sense. Corresponding notification procedures for amending regulations have already been submitted by the EU to the WHO. We will keep you informed about the outcome of this harmonisation project. Experts view the project with scepticism and fear that the expansion of the pesticide residue definition in the area of baby food is more likely to lead to new problems.
Your PLUS: No matter what the definition will look like in the end, we examine and evaluate baby and infant food according to the valid legal requirements.
Link:
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/127 of 25 September 2015 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 609/2013
Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005
WTO notification
Author: Dr. Frank Mörsberger
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