Fresh peppers from Turkey posed the most serious risk, exceeding the MRL for methamidphos. The peppers were exported from Turkey to Germany, and the acute risk assessment indicated the level of residues was unacceptable for toddlers consuming the vegetables.

The FPC said it was checking to see if use of methamidphos was in confirmation with EU regulations.

Four different pesticide residues were found in grape, vine, cherry and cocktail tomatoes from Italy. The risk to consumers was thought to be acceptable, however the FPC issued a statement about the use of one of the pesticides.

It said: 'Importers should note that for chlormequat, product with residues exceeding the MRL of 0.05mg/kg should not go on sale in the UK.' Argentinian Red Delicious apples were also found to have exceeded the MRL acceptance levels in Finland. The FPC stated the Finnish authorities will be analysing the next lots of imported apples for fenvalerate before they are distributed in Finland, and advised importers to check carefully their products did not exceed the recommended MRLs.