Pesticide residues in food exceeded legal limits in 7.3% of samples tested in Cyprus, according to the director of the State General Laboratory, who stressed that detecting residues does not necessarily mean a food product is unsafe or exceeds permitted levels.
Speaking on the Mesimeri kai Kati programme, Revekka Kokkinofta said the findings of a recent report needed to be interpreted carefully, as the presence of pesticide residues alone does not establish a violation of European food safety rules.
She explained that the State General Laboratory is the final stage of the inspection process, analysing food intended for consumption. The Department of Agriculture and other competent services carry out checks earlier in the process, while the laboratory sends its findings to the relevant authorities for further action.
“A positive sample does not necessarily mean it is above the limits. It does not mean there is a violation,” she said.
Only 7.3% of samples showed confirmed exceedances
Of the 466 food samples analysed, 61 recorded numerical values above the legally established pesticide residue limits, representing 13.1% of the total.
However, Kokkinofta explained that European assessment procedures also take measurement uncertainty into account. After this was factored in, the proportion of samples considered to have exceeded the legal limits fell to 7.3%.
She also stressed that exceeding a legal limit does not automatically mean that a food product has caused harm to human health.
Maximum pesticide residue limits are established under European legislation and should not, by themselves, be interpreted as toxicological thresholds indicating that harm has occurred.
For samples found to exceed the permitted limits, a risk assessment was carried out to evaluate the potential impact on consumers’ health, she said.
Only one animal-based sample exceeded the limits
Kokkinofta also clarified the findings for food of animal origin, following the publication of a figure showing 14.5% positive samples.
Of the 83 samples examined, 12 tested positive for the presence of pesticide residues. However, only one sample – specifically a muscle sample – was found to exceed the permitted limits.
The remaining 11 samples were within the limits set by European legislation.
The director emphasised that distinguishing between the detection of residues and an actual exceedance of legal limits is essential to understanding the results accurately.
Imported food among the main inspection priorities
The State General Laboratory works with the Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Services and Health Services under protocols governing checks on food of plant and animal origin, as well as products available on the market.
Kokkinofta said particular attention was given to food considered more vulnerable to pesticide residues and to imported products.
Imported food requires particular scrutiny because it has not undergone field inspections by Cyprus’s competent authorities before entering the country, she explained.
The aim is to identify potential problems early and prevent products with unlawful residue levels from reaching the market and consumers’ plates.
The laboratory has also expanded its testing capacity and can now analyse more than 420 pesticide parameters simultaneously.
Results are assessed and passed to the relevant authorities, which determine corrective measures and recommendations for producers, with the aim of encouraging good agricultural practices.
Laboratory remains on alert over food safety
Asked whether the findings were a cause for concern, Kokkinofta said the State General Laboratory was not complacent and remained vigilant through targeted inspections and expanded analytical capabilities.
She acknowledged that there was still room for improvement, adding that the laboratory and other competent services were increasing inspections and incorporating additional testing parameters.
She identified checks on imported food as a particularly important part of the effort to prevent products that do not meet the required standards from being sold in Cyprus.
The findings underline the importance of distinguishing between the detection of pesticide residues and confirmed breaches of legal limits when assessing food safety.
Also read: Cyprus’ climate poverty risk could reach 49%, study warns
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
