The Eurofins Agro UK test, which can be booked online, comes at a time when some farm assurance schemes have adopted the need to test every year or to have an evidence-based rationale for fewer tests.

After the loss of approval for chlorpropham (CIPC), the potato industry is anticipated to make major changes to the way potatoes are stored. This might entail using substances like 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene and maleic hydrazide. To avoid chemicals entering the food chain, farm assurance programs are eager to see crops tested for possible residues.

For GBP160 per kilo sample, Eurofins Agro provides a UKAS-accredited pesticide residue test for potatoes.

“The tests can be booked and paid for online and results from samples that are sent directly to our laboratory take between three and four weeks,” Sophie Cath, from Eurofins Agro UK, mentioned, cited by Farmers Guardian.

The method of statutory Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) is used to regulate residues. When a pesticide has been used properly by growers who follow good agricultural practices, these amounts of residue reflect the maximum safe amounts that are likely to be present in food products.

“By using our tests, growers will receive vital data to ensure products are fit for purpose and will be able to provide evidence to regulators and consumers that potatoes are safe by demonstrating that any residues present are below regulatory limits or MRLs,” Cath concluded.