Chemical Residues
The apple and pear industry closely monitors chemical residues on its fruit and, since independent monitoring came into place in 1998, has consistently demonstrated high compliance with approved chemical residue limits.
Apple and pear growers may use different chemical products to protect their trees and fruit from pests, diseases and weeds. This is to ensure undamaged and high-quality fruit is supplied to consumers.
Applying these products is usually part of much bigger and integrated pest, disease and weed management plans that help growers limit their chemical use and produce a quality crop of fruit every year.
Only products that have been approved for use in Australia by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) may be used by growers. Before approving a product, the APVMA scientifically evaluates if the product will be effective and if and how it can be deployed safely to protect the health and safety of consumers, workers, animals, plants and the environment.
Following their evaluation, the APVMA set maximum residue limits (MRLs); the highest level of a chemical residue that is legally allowed in the fruit.