Fungicide values on imported lemons comply with regulations

The Food Safety Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina issued a press release regarding information about the use and health impact of the active substance imazalil, whose use has been permitted for decades in plant protection products, which have drawn increased public attention in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region due to lemons sprayed with this substance, reports the Bosnian news agency Patria. 

- The use of imazalil is permitted in accordance with current regulations, both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in neighboring countries and the European Union. When pesticides are used in accordance with good agricultural practice (GAP), the maximum residue levels of pesticides in food will not be exceeded. Imazalil is used in citrus protection as a preservative against rotting processes, and the maximum residue level (MRL) for all citrus fruits is 5 mg/kg - the Agency states.

The Agency has reports on laboratory analyses of lemons upon import into Bosnia and Herzegovina for the presence of active substances, including imazalil, from October 24, 2014, which determined values in accordance with current regulations.

The Food Safety Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina daily monitors the health safety of food, as well as the latest scientific findings, and in cooperation with competent authorities takes appropriate measures to protect consumer health and interests and ensure the smooth functioning of the market.

Given that scientifically unfounded and sweeping assessments of certain protective agents used in food production, processing and storage can significantly affect consumer dietary habits, i.e., impact the intake of necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins and carbohydrates through certain types of food, we hereby appeal to all participants in the food safety system to consider all potential consequences of their public statements.