Changes in the Concentrations of Pesticide Residues in Foods and in Human Tissues between 1960 and 1996

Abstract

The changes in the pesticide content of Italian foods and human tissues between 1960 and 1996 are reported. The presence of pesticide residues in foods has represented a problem for public health in past years, but now the quantity of residues still detectable is extremely low, and considerably lower than the limits set by current EU legislation. Pesticides are now only detected in trace quantities in foods, and so do not constitute a risk to consumer health. Legislation imposed progressively by the Italian government over the last few decades, some of it in response to EU directives, has done much to ensure the safety of food supplies since the health risks associated with pesticides became apparent.