The aim of the priority action was to obtain a representative and reliable nationwide database for assessing consumer exposure and compliance with the applicable maximum residue levels in selected foods. This also serves the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as an additional data basis for exposure assessment.
852 samples from all over Austria were analysed. 33 samples were rejected:
- 33 samples were objected to because maximum pesticide residue levels were exceeded beyond doubt. One sample each of cucumbers (origin Turkey) and tomatoes (origin Austria) were assessed as "harmful to health" and four samples (2 x black-eyed peas - origin Madagascar; 1 x cucumbers and 1 x tomatoes - origin Turkey) were assessed as "unfit for human consumption"
- In 19 food samples from organic farming, residues above the analytical limit of quantification were confirmed and clarification of the cause was requested from the competent authority. In two of these 19 samples, the maximum residue level was exceeded and objected to