Growing fruit and vegetables in compliance with specifications is not always enough to obtain productions with pesticide residues below the levels set by the law. Sometimes, there could be contamination or simply mistakes made in good faith (i.e. a sprayer that hasn't been washed properly or a particular section of an orchard treated twice).
"Selling fresh produce, especially abroad, means respecting strict residue limits. Many retailers require residue levels that are even lower than those established by EU regulations. At Sicural, we carry out analyses to make sure the produce complies with all limits," explains Silvia Zuccherelli.
Hplc (high-performance liquid chromatographer)
Sicural's report is an essential document for retailers and in case of claims. "It's very important for producers or technicians to perform a sampling so the entire production is represented," explains Giusy Riciputi.
Last week, lab technician Maverik Bezzi attended an international convention on pesticides held in Munich, Germany. It emerged that problems are caused mostly by chlorates and perchlorate, i.e. after the produce is disinfected, or due to washing/processing equipment, or because of fertilising mistakes.
Gas Cromatographer
"It's essential to get in touch with authorised laboratories such as ours to avoid a false-positive that might be due to old equipment or dated standard procedures," added Luca Rustignoli.
Left to right: Maverik Bezzi, Giusy Riciputi, Silvia Zuccherelli, Luca Rustignoli
The analyses most required by producers or operators are classic multi-residue ones or those required by respective clients. Sicural can add dates directly on the Fruit Monitoring or QS portal.
Contacts:
Sicural
Via Dismano 2855,
47522 Cesena (FC)
Tel.: (+39) 0547/377303
Email: lrustignoli@sicural.it
Email: laboratorio@sicural.it
Sito: www.sicural.it