Findings of traces of pesticides in organic products must be carefully investigated. However, there are currently no binding guidelines on how this should be done. To fill this gap, an international working group of 25 renowned experts has developed a ‘Vade mecum’ with detailed, practical instructions.
Findings of unauthorised pesticides in organic products often trigger extensive investigations and may have far-reaching consequences for the concerned operators. A guideline produced by FiBL provides practical guidance for operators facing residue cases.
Through drift, conventional pesticides may be unintentionally carried onto organic fields. A factsheet by FiBL shows how organic farmers and their conventional neighbours can avoid drift.
fibl.org: FiBL Technical guide "Avoiding drift in organic production" (in German)
A project carried out in 2019 – 20 investigated the strengths and weaknesses of the current approaches to residue cases in organic products, and proposes measures for improvement.
orgprints.org: On the way to a harmonized approach in the EU: Concepts for handling residue cases in organic products (Englisch)
Residue findings in organic products are handled very differently across EU member states. A survey carried out in spring 2019 shows that the heterogeneity concerns all aspects, from the interpretation of the organic regulation, to the legal basis for sampling and lab selection, case investigation, evaluation and exchange of information.
orgprints.org: Handling of residue cases in organic production – a Quick Scan of the current situation
Which substances are referred to as «residues», and which as «contaminants»? Did the substance end up in the food op purpose or unintentionally, or is its presence technically unavoidable? A factsheet by FiBL clarifies the major terms and legal bases.
shop.fibl.org: FiBL factsheet „Rückstände - benennen, verstehen, vermeiden“ (in German)
Residue values are only meaningful if the samples have been taken appropriately. In addition, the analytical method applied should be adequate and able to detect substances which are most likely to be found. The following documents provide stakeholders with some guidance:
Aside from pesticide trace analysis, there are various other analytical methods available that may be applied for verifying the authenticity of organic products; in particular the analysis of stable isotopes. A study conducted by FiBL has been investigating the suitability of complementary/ additional methods to be used in quality assurance of organic products.
orgprints.org: Study, "Quality assurance of organic products: Isotope analysis and other modern analytical methods" (in German)
In Switzerland, residues cases on organic products are usually assessed according to the Ordinance no 22/2015 by BVL and BLW, or to the Bio Suisse decision grid. Other countries may use similar decision-making tools, such as the BNN orientation value, which is particularly widespread in Germany. However, in many other countries, such guidance is still lacking. FiBL is working in cooperation with partners on national and international levels to support the development, revision and update of such decision grids.
Traces of fungicides from the group of dithiocarbamates have occasionally been found in organic vegetables, while no reasonable explanation could be given for their presence. A more detailed investigation of the trade chain has revealed that some latex gloves contain dithiocarbamates and thus were the source of contamination. Bio Suisse provides a form for companies to declare that their gloves are free of dithiocarbamates.
Faktenblatt "Informationen und Stellungnahme zu Rückständen von Dithiocarbamaten"
Bio Suisse and FiBL have collaborated for many years to develop and collect practical information relevant to different target groups in the organic sector.
partner.bio-suisse.ch: Further information and documents from Bio Suisse on the topic of residues (in German)
