Pesticide residue can be a serious issue for the food industry. In Australia, the Food Standards Code (FSC) sets out maximum limits for pesticide residues in foods. The FSC also requires that all food businesses must comply with the code.
But how can you ensure your crops are free from pesticide residue? Here are four ways that regular testing and monitoring can ensure your crops are free from pesticide residue in Australia:
1. Testing Can Be Done For Pesticide Residue In Your Irrigation Systems
Pesticide residue can remain in the soil after it has been sprayed. It's possible for this residue to be absorbed by plants through their roots or leaves and enter into the crop. If you use pesticides on your crops, it's essential that you test your irrigation system regularly so that any contamination from previous treatments doesn't get transferred onto future crops.
2. Tests Can Be Done For Pesticide Residue In Your Soil And Plant Tissue
Soil sampling involves taking samples from the topsoil of your property and testing them for pesticide residue. This can be done by taking samples from several different locations on your land and testing each one separately. The soil samples should be taken from around the property, including any areas where crops are grown and the surrounding land. The samples can be tested for a number of different pesticides, including those that are commonly used on farms.
3. Aerial Spray Monitoring Can Help To Ensure Low Levels Of Pesticide Residue
Aerial spraying is often used as part of integrated pest management (IPM) programs on cropping farms in Australia. This type of application is usually carried out by licensed operators who use helicopters or fixed-wing planes to apply chemicals in order to control pests such as weeds or insects without causing long-term damage to plants or soil structure. Aerial spray monitoring ensures that no chemical residue remains after aerial spraying has been carried out on crops.
4. A Testing Facility Will Provide You With Accurate And Detailed Reports On Pesticide Residue
To determine whether or not your crops have been exposed to pesticides, it's important that you work with a testing facility that can provide accurate and detailed reports on pesticide residue. These reports will allow you to see exactly how much residue was found in your sample (if any), what type of pesticide was detected; and where it was detected (soil, water or plant tissue).
Testing of agricultural crops is an essential part of the pesticide registration process and helps ensure that these products are safe for human consumption. To find out more about pesticide testing and allergen testing, contact an agriculture testing facility today.
