Residues in foods. 1989

A total of 18,798 samples of domestically produced food from all 50 states and Puerto Rico and imported food from 88 countries were analyzed for pesticide residues in 1989. Of these, 18,113 were surveillance samples, which are collected when there is no suspicion of a pesticide problem. No residues were found in 65% of domestic surveillance samples and in 67% of import surveillance samples. Less than 1% of the 18,113 surveillance samples contained residues that exceeded EPA tolerances. Findings in the 685 compliance samples reflect the fact that they are collected and analyzed when a pesticide problem is suspected. The 1989 Total Diet Study findings show that intakes of pesticide residues are generally well below standards set by FAO/WHO as well as by EPA. Results for 1989 are similar to those for 1987 and 1988 and continue to demonstrate that the levels of pesticide residues in the U.S. food supply are low.