Changing pesticide technology in meat and poultry products

In response to consumer concerns about pesticide residues in meat and poultry, a National Residue Program was introduced in the 1960s. Rapidly developing analytical methods and instrument capability resulted in a laboratory-based program of sufficient size and technical capability to quantitatively determine an increasing number of pesticides. In 1985, at the request of the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the National Academy of Sciences evaluated the program and recommended that more emphasis be placed on preventing residues and providing a higher degree of safety to consumers. In response, FSIS made a commitment to increase and improve capability to test for more residues, including pesticides, and to develop or purchase rapid test systems to facilitate the planned expansion of the National Residue Program. Such systems are now being evaluated and integrated into the program. Factors important for acceptability of rapid tests are reviewed in detail.