The 2024 European Union report on pesticide residues in food

Under European Union legislation (Article 32, Regulation (EC) No 396/2005), the European Food Safety Authority publishes an annual report assessing pesticide residue levels in food. In 2024, 9842 samples were analysed as part of the EU-coordinated multiannual control programme subset, of which 1.2% were found to be non-compliant. National sampling procedures were used in 86,449 samples where the non-compliant rate was 1.8%. Increased import control programme accounted for 39,433 samples with a 3.6% non-compliant rate. Acute and chronic dietary exposure was estimated by providing the probabilities of exceeding the health-based guidance values (HBGV) for the pesticide residues in food. Overall, the estimated dietary risk was found to be low for most of the EU subpopulation groups and assessed substances. Recommendations are provided to risk managers to increase the effectiveness of European control systems and to ensure a high level of consumer protection throughout the EU.