When a pesticide is approved for use on crops in the European Union, limits are set on how much residue can legally remain in food. These limits are called Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). Pesticide MRLs are not safety limits but are based on good agricultural practice and are usually well below the levels that would be of concern for people's health. Imported food must meet the same limits. You can find out more about MRLs from the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) website.

The MRLs applicable in the UK for particular pesticides in particular foods can be found on the PSD website too.

From 1 September 2008, the current MRL system will change when EC Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 396/2005) comes into effect. For more information on this see 'How will EC regulation 396/2005 affect pesticide regulation in the UK?' and the Pesticide Safety Directorate (PSD) website.