Research shows that 29% of foods have pesticide residues

36% of 2011 samples and 29 % samples were 2012 the presence of the product

Agency for Brazil

( In some foods banned pesticides were found in Brazil and as azaconazole tebufempirade - Photo : Shutterstock )

The result of monitoring the latest Program Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Food (2011/2012) revealed that 36 % of samples in 2011 and 29 % of samples in 2012 showed the presence of pesticides . In the assessment of the agency, we must invest in the training of farmers and monitoring the use of the product .

There are two types of irregularities evaluated once when the sample contains pesticides above the maximum residue limit allowed and another when the sample has residues of pesticides not allowed for food researched . The survey also revealed that two pesticides ever recorded in Brazil , and the azaconazole tebufempirade , were found in samples of food , which may mean that these foods smuggled into the country .

In 2011 the chili was the product tested which had the largest number of samples with irregularities . Of the 213 samples analyzed , 84 % had unauthorized use of pesticides in Brazil , 0.9 % had levels above the allowed and 4.7 % had two irregularities . Then came carrot , with 67 % of irregular samples , cucumber, with 44 % , and lettuce , with 42 % . In 2012, Strawberry appeared with 59 % of irregularities in the samples again and cucumber, with 42 % .

The agency explains that some pesticides used in food and agricultural soil has the ability to penetrate paper and pulps . Therefore , washing food under running water and the removal of bark and outer leaves , while contributing to the reduction of pesticide residues , are unable to eliminate those contained in its internal parts .

The current report presents the results of 3,293 samples from thirteen monitored foods , including rice, beans , strawberries , peppers, tomatoes , among others . The choice of food was based on consumption data collected by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics ( IBGE ) , the availability of food in supermarkets and on the profile of the use of pesticides in food .

To ANVISA , the positive aspect of the program is the ability of local authorities to identify the source of food and allow corrective measures to be adopted has increased. In 2012 , 36 % of the samples could be traced back to the producer and 50 % to the distributor of the food .

ANVISA coordinates the program for residue analysis in conjunction with the health surveillance of state and municipal participants, who did the procedures for collection of food in supermarkets and sent to laboratories for analysis . Thus , it is possible to verify that the products are marketed in accordance with the agency .

Source : Globo Rural Magazine ( Brazil ) .