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.

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

Other aspects of pesticide use (other than disposal) are controlled by Control of Pesticide Regulations (COPR) through the Pesticide Safety Directorate. The Advisory Committee on Pesticides advises the government on pesticide matters. The ACP determines approvals on the basis of only direct impacts of pesticides (cf GM Approval).

Controls are now 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, 45 of which are in current UK use. Some withrawls are delayed for a few years. EU Document (pdf)

Pesticides, like additives, are ultimately are covered by international regulations called CODEX. Codex is part of the UN FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme concerned with protecting the health of consumers and ensuring fair practices in the food trade. It encourages countries to harmonise their food laws and adopt internationally agreed standards.

There are proposals in the UK to introduce a pesticide tax. However, in order to demonstrate that this is not necessary, there is a Voluntary Inititiative taking place to improve pesticide control.

A UK consultation in 2003 asked whether there should be a "buffer zone" between the farm spray and where a resident lives. These zones could offer a good place to start developing skills for using less pesticides. The government decided that there is no need for buffer zones but appointed a Royal Commission to look at bystander exposure.