Every year, the National Residue Survey tests Australian apple and pears for a range of chemical residues and environmental contaminants. It has been operating since 1998 and is funded by the statutory levies on apples and pears.

The apple and pear programme covers random residue monitoring which ensures the industry can meet quality assurance and certification requirements for domestic and international markets.

Approximately 350 to 450 apple and pear samples are collected each at packing sheds and wholesale markets. Samples are selected from participating producers with the aim to establish a nationwide spread of samples covering as many producers as is practicable each year.

Chemical screens are developed in consultation with the industry and take into account Australian registered chemicals, chemical residue profiles and overseas market requirements.

In 2014-15, a total of 294 apple and 92 pear samples were collected and analysed, and the results were compared with the relevant Australian Standards. The overall compliance rate in this period was 98.6 per cent for apples and 97.8 per cent for pears.

APAL reports that over the past ten years, the Australian apple and pear industry has shown a high degree of compliance with Australian Standards. It says the results demonstrate that the industry uses in-crop and post-harvest agricultural chemicals in accordance with good agricultural practices.

Read the National Residue Survey 2014-15 – Apple and Pear and the National Residue Survey Annual Summary 2014-15.