The results of the official monitoring programme are published quarterly and annually by the PRC. Some 3700 food samples are tested each year, many for more than 100 pesticides. Foods that are eaten often as a major component of the diet, such as potatoes, milk and bread, are monitored regularly. A range of fruit and vegetables, cereals and cereal products, fish and fish products, and products of animal origin, are monitored on a rolling basis every few years.

The results since 2000 show that pesticide residues are found in about 30% of all the samples tested covering a wide range of food, and in about 40% of fruit and vegetable samples tested. These are overall results; some individual food results show a higher percentage of samples with residues, some a lower percentage. Although not every pesticide is looked for, all those that are likely to be found are sought, including non-approved pesticides that might have a specific use on a particular crop.

The vast majority (about 98%) of samples tested did not contain residues above legal limits or residues of non-approved pesticides. In all cases where there was a concern about people's intakes of pesticide residues, a risk assessment was carried out by both the PSD and the FSA and any necessary follow-up action was taken, such as notifying retailers, suppliers or growers. Some special follow-up surveys and enforcement investigations were also undertaken. In almost all cases the residues did not present an appreciable risk to people’s health. The detailed results of the official monitoring programme can be found on the PRC website.