Related Websites
NRS Brochure - Macadamia nut program
Other format
This information is also available in the following format:
- NRS Brochure - Macadamia Nut Program
PDF [686kb]
2007–2008 Macadamia nut program
Chemical residue monitoring results
Overview
The National Residue Survey (NRS) was originally established in 1961 to measure pesticide residues in exported meat. Today, NRS tests for residues of agricultural and veterinary chemicals and environmental contaminants in 25 animal and 25 plant commodities including five horticultural products. Since 1993, NRS has operated on full cost recovery, and is funded principally by levies from participating industries. The Australian Government provides funding for NRS national and international residue commitments that provide benefits for the community, for industry and for government programs.
Since initial participation of the macadamia industry through the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) in 1996, 1 456 macadamia nut samples have been tested for residues in the NRS random residue testing program. All samples complied with the relevant Australian Standards. The program is funded by a macadamia industry levy of 0.63 cents per kilogram of kernel produced.
Residue testing results 1996–2008
|
Group |
Chemicals |
Number of Samples |
Compliance (%) |
|
Pesticides |
|
|
|
|
Organochlorines |
endosulfan |
115 |
100.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Organophosphates |
acephate |
115 |
100.0 |
|
|
azinphos-methyl |
115 |
100.0 |
|
|
chlorpyrifos |
115 |
100.0 |
|
|
diazinon |
115 |
100.0 |
|
|
methidathion |
115 |
100.0 |
|
|
trichlorfon |
115 |
100.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Synthetic pyrethroids |
cyfluthrin |
115 |
100.0 |
|
|
deltamethrin |
115 |
100.0 |
|
|
permethrin |
115 |
100.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carbamates |
carbaryl |
115 |
100.0 |
|
Acaricides |
tebufenozide |
115 |
100.0 |
|
Fungicides |
carbendazim |
115 |
100.0 |
|
|
iprodione |
115 |
100.0 |
|
|
metalaxyl |
115 |
100.0 |
|
Herbicides |
diquat |
20 |
100.0 |
|
|
glufosinate |
20 |
100.0 |
|
|
glyphosate |
20 |
100.0 |
|
|
oxyfluorfen |
115 |
100.0 |
|
|
paraquat |
20 |
100.0 |
|
Total |
|
115 |
100.0 |
Residue testing results 2007–2008
All 115 macadamia nut samples were 100 per cent compliant with Australian Standards.
Laboratory performance evaluation and proficiency testing
NRS contracts analytical laboratories to perform the relevant residue analyses. Laboratories are proficiency tested in order to ensure the validity of analytical results.
NRS continues to be an accredited provider of proficiency testing schemes. Accreditation ensures that the NRS proficiency testing system is recognised within the laboratory community as meeting internationally accepted standards and having the ability to establish the technical competence of participating laboratories.
International maximum residue limits
In consultation with the Australian Macadamia Society, NRS has maintained its international MRL tables for countries that are major export markets for Australian macadamia nuts.
Maximum residue limits for macadamia nuts
Contacts
General enquiries
Phone: +61 2 6272 3187
Fax: +61 2 6272 4023
Email the NRS
www.daff.gov.au/nrs
Postal address
National Residue Survey
GPO Box 858
Canberra ACT 2601
Manager, plant residue testing program
Phone: +61 2 6272 3436
Director, National Residue Survey
Phone: +61 2 6272 5668
06 Oct 2009