Chemical Residues and Food Safety
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Maximum Residue Limit Standard
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) sets maximum residue limits (MRLs) for agricultural and veterinary chemicals in agricultural produce, particularly produce entering the food chain.
Export Slaughter Intervals and Chemical Withholding Periods
The APVMA regularly updates the Export Slaughter Interval (ESI) and withholding periods (WHP) for products used in sheep and cattle.
Risk Assessment of Short-Term Dietary Exposure to Chemical Residues
The dietary intake of residues of some pesticides and veterinary drugs can pose acute hazards. For this reason, a risk assessment of short-term dietary exposure to chemical residues, which involves scientists from the Department of Health and Ageing, the APVMA and Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), is undertaken.
Chemical Residues - Frequently Asked Questions
See a list of the most frequently asked questions for chemical residues.