“The risk to human health from pesticide residues remains low.” This is what the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) stated in its new annual report, which analyzed information on pesticide residues collected through both random and targeted monitoring programs on thousands of samples from common consumer products taken in 2024.

9,842 samples were analyzed under the multiannual control program coordinated by the EU, of which 1.2% were found to be non-compliant.

National sampling procedures, however, were used for 86,449 samples, with a non-compliance rate of 1.8%.

The enhanced import control program covered 39,433 samples, with a non-compliance rate of 3.6%.

Acute and chronic dietary exposure was estimated by providing the probabilities of exceeding health-based guideline values ​​for pesticide residues in food.

Overall, the estimated dietary risk was low for most EU population subgroups and for the substances evaluated.

The EFSA report also provides recommendations for risk managers to increase the effectiveness of European control systems and ensure a high level of consumer protection across the EU.