When a pesticide is approved for use on crops in the European Union, limits are set on how much residue can legally remain in food. These limits are called Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). Pesticide MRLs are not safety limits but are based on good agricultural practice and are usually well below the levels that would be of concern for people's health. Imported food must meet the same limits. You can find out more about MRLs from the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) website.

The MRLs applicable in the UK for particular pesticides in particular foods can be found on the PSD website too.