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AgVetLink June 2003

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Proposed Food Residues Surveillance Programme

The NZFSA proposes to develop and implement an ongoing Food Residues Surveillance Programme (FRSP) as part of the science strategy. The purpose of the FRSP is to investigate compounds and commodities not covered in existing residues monitoring programmes and to assess effectiveness of controls placed on residues in those commodities covered by the programme. The work will cover both imported and domestically-produced commodities, and will be undertaken by the Institute of Environmental and Science Research (ESR).

Contribution to regulatory outputs

Unlike the Total Diet Survey, which takes a ‘snapshot’ of the public’s exposure to a range of residues and elements, the FRSP will contribute directly to regulatory outputs. Those regulatory outputs could be:

• increased monitoring
• new or amended controls on foods or agricultural compounds, or 
• consumer information.

If the programme highlights any problems, they will be investigated to clarify the issues and determine the most appropriate action for the NZFSA to take. For example, if residues in a particular commodity are found to exceed the maximum residue limit (MRL), investigation may illustrate that the MRL or the associated withholding period is inappropriate and needs to be amended. This may occur where agricultural practices have changed without being reflected on the label.

Action taken may involve a re-evaluation of the available residue data based on current Good Agricultural Practice, or additional residue data may be required.

Alternatively, the MRL may be appropriate but the trade name product containing the compound is being misused because of inadequate label information or carelessness. In this case, the appropriate action may range from altering user information or education to formal compliance activity.

Pilot programme

It is expected that a pilot programme will be undertaken in the 2003/04 financial year. In following years a NZFSA project team will rank and prioritise the programme of residue/ commodity combinations to be investigated using risk-based criteria.

Consultation and scope

The principles and prioritisation criteria of the programme will be subject to stakeholder consultation in accordance with standard NZFSA procedures. Details of the work to be undertaken will be advised in future editions of AgVetLink.

Obviously, the programme cannot cover all residue/commodity combinations in one year. Its scope may vary from year to year according to dietary significance of the food, use of the agricultural compound and findings from previous years.

It is expected that results of the survey will be published by NZFSA on an annual basis for the life of the programme.

Operational agreements with ERMA NZ

The ACVM Group has recently signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with ERMA NZ. They are:

1. Operational Agreement for Administering the Transitional Provisions of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, and 

2. Operational Agreement for Administering the Transitional Provisions of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, Vertebrate Pest Controls.

The first agreement’s objective is to facilitate the efficient and effective administration of transitional provisions pending the transfer of pesticides under the new legislation.

The purpose of the second agreement is to facilitate the efficient and effective administration of transitional provisions relating to vertebrate pest controls (VPCs), pending the transfer of pesticides under the HSNO Act.

Until such time as pesticides are transferred, ERMA NZ has delegated its functions, powers and duties, including decision making powers, to personnel in the ACVM Group.