A literature review by FiBL shows that pesticides are present in all environmental compartments, that they are transported between different compartments and that they may finally end up in the food chain.
In a pilot study in the canton Ticino, FiBL investigated whether the standards regarding the location of beehives are sufficient for preventing pesticide residues in honey and wax.
orgprints.org: Pilotstudie zum Einfluss des Standorts auf Pestizidrückstände in Schweizer Biohonig und -wachs (in German)
Irrigation gains importance in agriculture. A study of FiBL investigates the contamination risks. Important contaminants are pathogens, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents and pesticides.
orgprints.org: FiBL study "Kontaminationsrisiken durch Bewässerung" (German, with English Summary)
A FiBL study from 2021 shows that pesticide residues were found in 9 % of the organic food on the Swiss market, compared to 60 % of conventional food samples. In addition, the pesticide load on organic food was on average 35 times lower compared to conventional food.
orgprints.org: FiBL study "Pestizidrückstände auf Biolebensmitteln - Untersuchungen in der Schweiz und Europa" (German, with English summary)
Due to the frequency of residues originating from packaging materials being identified in food, FiBL has developed a number of factsheets. These include lists of substances that have been identified to date, related health risks and how to avoid such residues in food. A key topic is the potential for mineral oil components to be found in foods packaged in cardboard made from recycled paper. FiBL has issued factsheets on mineral oil residues in food as well as their possible sources. Furthermore, in November 2017 FiBL conducted a specific study on the possible causes for the occurrence of mineral oil components in olive oil.
A study shows that local, sporadic treatments of hiding places against pest insects do not pose a major residue risk. The study shows where the potential for improvements lies.
orgprints.org: Study "Rückstandsrisiko bei der Schlupfwinkelbehandlung mit synthetischen Pyrethroiden" (in German)
Some weeds have toxic seeds, which contain so-called tropane alkaloids. The following factsheet lists a set of measures that can be taken to prevent contamination of crops such as maize, millet, buckwheat and sunflowers. A further study conducted and published by FiBL also shows what measures importers and mills can take to avoid the presence of tropane alkaloids in organic foods.
Organic farmers sometimes borrow agricultural machinery from other farmers or even have their crops and fields maintained by a contractor. In order to avoid residues, the machinery needs to be cleaned properly. When converting from conventional to organic farming, all machines must be thoroughly cleaned. This applies in particular to sprayers for crop protection. The following factsheet gives practical guidance.
Railroad tracks are usually free of any kind of vegetation. It is well known that herbicides are often used for the purpose of keeping railroads free from weeds. A study conducted by FiBL has investigated whether the use of herbicides on railway tracks represents a residue risk for organic production.
orgprints.org: Study, "Assessment of the possible effects of vegetation control on railroads on organic production" (in German)
