Almond program 2008-2009

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 26 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. More information about the National Residue Survey.

In 2008 the Almond Board of Australia (ABA) initiated a pesticide residue random monitoring program with NRS, involving 64 almond samples that were collected from three almond processors. The samples were tested for a broad range of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, fumigants and metals.

The purpose of the random monitoring program is to confirm the residue status of the sampled produce, as specified by the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (ANZFSC). The random monitoring program is carried out according to NRS procedures and protocols.

Sampling

Samples were collected from Almondco Australia Ltd and Riverland Almonds in South Australia and Select Harvests in Victoria. In cooperation with ABA and the almond processing plants, NRS organised two sampling rounds during the year, in January and April. Sampling was arranged to take place within specific timeframes.

At each sampling, approximately 1kg of kernel was collected by quality assurance staff based at the processing plants, and the nuts sent to NRS contract laboratories for analysis. Results were sent electronically from the laboratory to the NRS offices, where the data is collated and compiled for industry and government use.

Although the residue testing programs are fully designed and managed by NRS, external contractors provide many of the operational functions including laboratory services, and supply and distribution of sampling materials and freight.

Chemical testing

Samples were tested against an agreed chemical screen that was developed in consultation with ABA. Any sample showing a positive result for a chemical, is subject to further confirmatory testing, and any sample found to contravene the ANZFSC is traced back to its origin by relevant state and territory authorities and appropriate advisory or legal action is taken.

The chemicals listed in the following table include those that may be used in almond production in Australia, as well as those that may be important in terms of international trade.

In 2008–2009, 64 samples were collected and tested for chemical residues as shown below.

Residue testing results

The residue testing results for all samples for all chemical screens indicate 100% compliance with Australian Standards.

These results demonstrate the appropriate use of agricultural chemicals to Australian domestic and export almond markets.

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 Almond Board of Australia, NRS maintains international MRL tables for countries that are major export markets for Australian almonds. These tables can be found on the NRS website.

Contacts

General enquiries

Phone: +61 (02) 6272 5790
Fax: +61 (02) 6272 4023
Email: National Residue Survey

Postal address:
National Residue Survey
GPO Box 858
Canberra ACT 2601
Australia

Director, National Residue Survey

Manager, plant random residue testing program