[Residue status of DDT, lindane and metabolites in grain after separation from DDT preparations]

The use of insecticides in grain-production plays a minor role in the GDR. Nevertheless grain samples have been tested for DDT, DDE and Lindane residues since 1971 and in addition to this for alpha-, beta-, and delta-HCH as well as for HCB in the last years. These residues are to be traced back to unintentional contamination due to absorption from the soil or to leeway. The grain samples were tested for the residues by GC analysis. From 1971 to 1980 the contamination of grain with DDT and Lindane residues decreased. The alpha-, beta-, and delta-HCH residues as well as those of HCB were found between 0.5 microgram/kg and 5 micrograms/kg. The residues of DDT and HCH were below 0,02 mg/kg, the negligible amounts ("zero tolerance") for these substances fixed in the GDR order on pesticides in foods, or below 0,05 mg/kg in case of HCB, being the tolerance (maximum allowable amount) for this substance.