Pesticide levels in imported produce: Policy and oversight gap

Background: In 2007, imports represented approximately 1/5 of U.S.-consumed fresh fruits and vegetables – and about half the fruit juice. While imports are expected to adhere to U.S. pesticide residue limits, in practice there is virtually no inspection or other incentive to comply. This paper makes use of newly available data to identify differences in pesticide tolerance levels across countries. Producers may have at least some incentive to comply with their own governments' directives.

Methods: Twenty produce items were chosen for examination based on import and U.S. consumption levels. For each food item, top markets sending to the U.S. were identified. The USDA's International Maximum Residue Limit database was searched to identify tolerances by food, country, and pesticide. Pesticides in that database were searched in the EPA's Integrated Risk Information System database, for potential human health effects at low doses.

Results: Top areas of concern for further investigation will be shared, in terms of produce items, country/market of origin, pesticide, and potentially affected organ system. Areas where US limits are substantially higher than those of other markets will also be noted.

Conclusions: The findings, while speculative, suggest the sorts of pesticide exposures that may be occurring. Indeed, given many countries' lack of incentives to comply with their own laws, the findings may understate the case. In sum, this paper identifies potential public health threats related to US produce import practices, suggesting priorities for further investigation, and highlighting a policy-making and oversight gap in U.S. trade policy.