Pesticide residues in food 2000 Report FAO Plant Production and Protection paper Series, Vol. 163

The annual Joint Meeting of the FAO Panel of Experts on Pesticide Residues in Food and the Environment and the WHO Toxicological Core Assessment Group on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 20 to 29 September 2000. The meeting was held in pursuance of recommendations made by previous meetings and accepted by the governing bodies of FAO and WHO that studies should be undertaken jointly by experts to evaluate possible hazards to humans arising from the occurrence of pesticide residues in foods. During the meeting the FAO Panel of Experts was responsible for reviewing pesticide use patterns (good agricultural practices), data on the chemistry and composition of the pesticides, and methods of analysis for pesticide residues as well as for estimating the maximum residue levels that might occur as a result of the use of pesticides according to good agricultural practices. The WHO Toxicological Core Assessment Group was responsible for reviewing toxicological and related data and for estimating, where possible, acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) of the pesticides for humans. This report contains information on ADIs, maximum residue levels and general principles for the evaluation of pesticides. The supporting documents (on residues and toxicological evaluations) contain detailed monographs on these pesticides and include comments on analytical methods. The recommendations of the joint meeting, including further research and information, are proposed for use by Member Governments of the respective agencies and other interested parties.