Pesticides

The UK was criticised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in its Environmental Performance Review (2002) for using twice as much pesticide as other similar countries.

Pesticides in food are controlled by Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). These are not safety levels but are "indicators of good farming practice", allowing free movement of trade.

Residues in food are measured in the UK by the Pesticides Residue Committee. Their findings are published regularly. Pesticide residues in food are now the reponsibility of the Food Standards Agency.

Other aspects of pesticide use (other than disposal) are controlled by Control of Pesticide Regulations (COPR) through the Pesticide Safety Directorate, who are responsible for the Advisory Committee on Pesticides who advise the government on pesticide matters.

Increasingly controls are made by the EU. A pesticide cannot be used in any Member State unless it is part of Annex 1 of Directive 91/414. From July 2003, 320 pesticides are banned (pdf) because manufacturers have not provided the necessary evidence for continued inclusion in Annex1.

Chemical additives

Food additives linked to asthma and heart disease are among those chemicals banned under organic food standards. See nutrition for more on additives.

Both groups of chemical are ultimately are covered by international regulations called CODEX.