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General letter on pesticide residues in export produce

22nd December 2004

To Whom it may concern

This is to advise that:

Monocrotophos and Mevinphos are not registered for use in New Zealand, and are therefore not permitted to be manufactured, imported, sold or used in New Zealand.

Methamidophos is registered for use in New Zealand but only has label approval for use on a limited number of vegetable crops.

New Zealand Food Safety Authority provides information on MRLs and suggested pre-harvest intervals for export crops and these are used by various fruit producer groups (including Summerfruit, Pipfruit, Avocado, Kiwifruit, Squash, Persimmons), in the development of their export spray programmes. Methamidophos is not recommended in any of these programmes.

The same fresh produce sectors operate comprehensive residue compliance programmes utilising internationally accredited laboratories and we have been advised that residues of Methamidophos have never been found.

In addition, NZFSA has processes in place to assess risks associated with pesticide residues in fresh produce, to ensure food is safe. 

Carol Barnao
Director, Dairy and Plant Products
New Zealand Food Safety Authority

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