Export grains program 2008-2009

Overview

The National Residue Survey (NRS) was originally established in 1961 to measure pesticide residues in exported meat. Today, NRS has expanded to test for residues of agricultural and veterinary chemicals and environmental contaminants in 22 animal products including meat products, honey, egg, wild-caught fish and aquaculture products, 21 grains, pulses and oilseeds, and five horticultural products. From 1993, NRS has operated on full cost recovery, and is funded principally by levies from participating industries. The Australian Government provides funding for national and international residue commitments that provide benefits for the community, for industry and for government programs.

Grains have been included in NRS random residue testing activities since 1964. The program is funded by a 0.015% ad valorem levies on 21 tradeable grains.

The export grains program

The bulk export program commenced in 1993 following industry-wide consultation which resulted in the establishment of the NRS ad valorem levies. The program is a collaboration between the Grains Council of Australia, those companies involved in grain exports and NRS.

On average, approximately 4 000 bulk export grain samples have been collected and analysed per annum since the start of the random residue monitoring program. The results are shown in the following table and indicate a high degree if compliance with Australian Standards.

The export container/bagged grain random residue monitoring program commenced in 2004 following an industry recommendation arising from a 2003 comprehensive program review.

Sampling

Bulk export grain is sampled while the grain is being out-turned to ships at the 17 grain export terminal located throughout Australia. Samples are taken by automatic sampling equipment using NRS protocols. NRS currently tests a sample from each hold of each ship loading bulk export grain. In the export container program, grain samples are collected (using NRS protocols) from the sites where the grains are loaded into bags and containers for export.

All samples are freighted to NRS-contracted laboratories for analytical testing, and sample information is sent to NRS for entry into the database.

Pesticide screen

The chemical screens for analysing pesticide residues are developed in consultation with industry. The chemical groups covered in the grains program are: a multi-residue screen (insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, insect growth regulators), an additional herbicide screen, environmental contaminants (heavy metals), fumigants and dithiocarbamates.

If any sample shows a positive result for a chemical, further confirmatory testing is carried out. Any sample found to contravene the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code is referred to the relevant jurisdiction for trace back investigation under control of use legislation.

Export grains residue testing

The table below shows the numbers of export grain samples tested for pesticides, fumigants and environmental contaminants.

Export grains residue testing results 2008-2009

All bulk export grains samples were 100% compliant with the relevant Australian Standards.

Overall, the export container grain samples were 98.2% compliant with the relevant Australian
Standards.

NRS residue monitoring results help facilitate the access of Australian grain producers to key export markets, support Australia’s status as a producer of clean food and are an important measure of overall export grain quality.

The 2008-2009 results demonstrate that the Australian grains industry continues to use in-crop and post-harvest agricultural chemicals according to good agricultural practice.

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 also having the ability to establish the technical competence of participating laboratories.

Laboratories are selected through the Australian Government tendering process on the basis of their proficiency, accreditation and value for money. Current laboratory contracts began on 1 July 2008 and will run to 30 June 2011.

Contacts

General enquiries

Phone: +61 (02) 6272 3187
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 residue testing program