Pesticide Data Program: 2018 Annual Report

"Dear Reader:

 We are pleased to present the Pesticide Data Program’s (PDP) 28th Annual Summary for calendar year 2018. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) conducts this program each year to collect data on pesticide residues in food. This report shows that when pesticide residues are found on foods, they are nearly always at levels below the tolerance, or maximum amount of a pesticide allowed to remain in or on a food, that is set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

PDP provides high-quality, nationally representative data to help ensure consumer confidence in the foods they provide to their families. Over 99 percent of the products sampled through PDP had residues below the EPA tolerances. Ultimately, if EPA determines a pesticide is not safe for human consumption, it is removed from the market.

The PDP tests a wide variety of domestic and imported foods, with a strong focus on foods that are consumed by infants and children. EPA relies on PDP data to conduct dietary risk assessments and to ensure that any pesticide residues in foods remain at safe levels. USDA uses the data to better understand the relationship of pesticide residues to agricultural practices and to enhance USDA’s Integrated Pest Management objectives. USDA also works with U.S. growers to improve agricultural practices.,,"
Pesticides