Chemicals in food - maximum residue limits
(February 2012)
What is a maximum residue limit (MRL)?
MRLs are regulatory standards that help to monitor whether an agricultural or veterinary chemical (agvet chemical) has been used as directed on an approved label. If an MRL is exceeded it usually indicates a misuse of the chemical but does not normally mean there is a public health or safety concern.
How are MRLs set?
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) assesses agvet chemicals for use and sets MRLs. MRLs are listed in the Food Standards Code and apply to both imported and domestic food. The APVMA determines an MRL after a comprehensive evaluation of a chemical product’s chemistry, metabolism, analytical methodology and residue trial data. The permitted limits are set well below the level that would be harmful, so a residue level slightly above the limit may indicate misuse but is very unlikely to pose a health risk.You can find out more about the assessment process on this APVMA fact sheet (pdf 313kb).
What is FSANZ’s responsibility in relation to MRLs?
FSANZ’s role is to protect public health and safety by ensuring consumption of agvet chemical residues in food is within appropriate safety limits. FSANZ has overall responsibility to assess dietary exposure to residues in the diet as part of the MRL setting process. FSANZ works closely with the APVMA on these assessments.
Who monitors and enforces chemical residue levels in food?
The states and territories enforce food standards, including MRLs. Imported food is also inspected by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Biosecurity to ensure it complies with these standards. A number of Commonwealth and state and territory agencies undertake surveillance programs for chemical residues. For example, FSANZ often looks at chemical residues in its Australian Total Diet Study (ATDS) and DAFF undertakes the National Residue Survey. The levels of chemicals found in food in Australia are consistently low and well below levels established by the APVMA. The ATDS consistently shows that the trace levels of agvet residues present in ready-to-eat meals pose no health concern for consumers.
What about New Zealand?
New Zealand has its own standards for chemical residues and the New Zealand Government enforces these standards. However, the Australian and New Zealand Governments agree that food produced in New Zealand that complies with New Zealand’s chemical residue standards may be sold in Australia, and vice versa. New Zealand also has a Total Diet Study which looks for chemical residues.
More information
- Overview of Australia’s system for managing agricultural and veterinary chemicals (pdf 163kb)
- Dietary exposure assessment
- Imported Food Inspection Scheme
- Office of Chemical Safety – responsible for establishing health based guidance levels for veterinary medicines and pesticides used in Australia