The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) has recommended its own guides to tackle growing concerns surrounding pesticide residues.

FPC chiefs recommend guides FPC Operating Standards for Wholesalers and the FPC Control of Pesticides – A Code of Practice to deal with forthcoming tests on winter lettuce.

The advice comes after an announcement from Lord Whitty that all points in the supply chain will be tested for maximum residue levels (MRLs) over the coming season.

The minister for food has acted on fears surrounding MRLs after the Pesticides Residues Committee continually detected residues on the crop for the past seven terms.

During this period, the body took action after five cases implicated growers in illegal activity.

Meanwhile, Whitty – keen for winter lettuce growers to clean up their act – said the government would continue to bring those who flout the law to justice.

He said: 'MRLs are a good reflection of Good Agricultural Practice. They are not a safety limit in themselves but it is clear that more needs to be done to combat the number of residues found above the maximum residue limits that have persisted in winter lettuce for a number of years.

'We must consider taking appropriate action against growers of retailers to stop these residues being found. If that means prosecution is appropriate then that is the action being taken.'

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