EU Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 - Maximum Residue Levels of Pesticides in Food and Feed

What it says

This Regulation sets maximum residue levels, known as MRLs, for pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin. Products with residues above the MRL cannot be placed on the market, and where no specific MRL is set a general default level applies. Member States run control programs to check compliance.

Paraphrased for plain-language clarity. Always verify against the current published regulation text.

What it means in practice

• Buyers of fruit, vegetables, cereals and herbs often ask for residue testing, supplier approval or both.
• The MRL depends on the pesticide and the crop, so the same residue can be acceptable in one product and not another.
• Imported products must meet the same MRLs as those grown in the EU.

What inspectors look for

• Whether products are tested against MRLs on a risk basis.
• Whether supplier approval covers pesticide controls.
• Whether non-compliant lots are held and reported as required.

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