Using agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides and veterinary drugs, can lead to residues in the food supply. This has been a prominent issue in the media over the last few years, causing some concern amongst interested consumers. Consumer safety is protected in the UK and some other countries by controls on the availability and usage of pesticides and veterinary drugs, and by the surveillance of food and related materials for residues of these and other agricultural chemicals. These processes must provide effective consumer ‘protection so that a safe supply of food is available. The presence of residual chemicals in food must not represent an unacceptable risk to the consumer.
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