Pesticide presence in food is a great concern for many people throughout the world. Individuals wonder about the health risks associated with consuming food infected with pesticides and how to know the food they consume is safe. Despite this concern from consumers, food producers believe it is beneficial to use pesticides due to it reducing damage to crops from weeds, animals and germs, (Countryside Online). By using this on their crops, they in turn collect a larger harvest as less animals, insects and bacteria have destroyed their produce. There are many forms of pesticides that can affect different food groups, including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, (Pesticide Action Network UK). The main pesticide found in eggs comes from the insecticide family.
The presence of pesticides in the environment is highly toxic to environmental and human health, (SciELO). Due to health concerns relating to pesticides contaminated plants and food, the European Union established Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides found in food of animal origin such as meat products, eggs and poultry products, (Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations). These limits have been thoroughly tested and are confirmed to not affect an individual after consumption. The MRLs have been put in place across the world to keep people safe. Therefore, they are closely monitored by border controls when food is being distributed.
If food has not been properly tested, the amount of pesticides in that product can serious affect human health. According to the World Health Organisation, toxic substances in eggs can damage the liver, thyroid glands and kidneys if they are ingested in large amounts overtime, (The Guardian). Therefore, it is of great importance to have testing options available to make sure the food is not contaminated and safe to consume.
The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed often flag up issues with insecticides in chicken eggs from a variety of different countries, (RASFF). If too large an amount of pesticides are found in the produce, it is returned to the maker, or destroyed.
Biorex Food Diagnostics have created a test specifically for egg testing. Fipronil is a broad-spectrum phenylpyrazole insecticide. It is authorised in the EU for use in veterinary medicine to combat insects control ants, beetles, co*ckroaches, fleas, ticks, termites, mole crickets, thrips, rootworms, weevils, and other insects. It is not permitted for use on food-producing animals. Fipronil-sulfone is the primary biological metabolite of fipronil and Fipronil-desulfinyl is the primary environmental metabolite. The Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) for fipronil is expressed as the sum of fipronil and fipronil sulfone and has been set at 0.005mg/kg (5ppb) in the European Union. Fipronil is not carcinogenic. Animal studies carried out by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported adverse effects on the nervous system were observed after short-term exposure.
Click here to view the Fipronil Screening ELISA for liquid whole egg tutorial; https://youtu.be/tFtyD6W6yBc
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As an expert in the field of food safety and pesticide detection, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the critical concerns raised in the provided article. My expertise is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between pesticides and their impact on human health and the environment.
Having extensively researched and analyzed the subject matter, I can affirm the genuine concern expressed by individuals worldwide regarding the presence of pesticides in food. This apprehension is not unfounded, as evidenced by a multitude of scientific studies and reports, including reputable sources such as SciELO, Countryside Online, and The Guardian.
The article discusses the opposing viewpoints of consumers and food producers on the use of pesticides. I am well-versed in the rationale behind the use of pesticides by food producers, emphasizing their benefits in reducing damage to crops from weeds, animals, and germs. This practice, as mentioned in Countryside Online, leads to increased harvest yields by minimizing losses from pests.
The various forms of pesticides mentioned in the article—specifically insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides—are integral components of my expertise. I understand their distinct properties and applications, including their potential effects on different food groups.
The establishment of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) by the European Union, as highlighted by the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations, is a pivotal aspect of pesticide regulation. I am familiar with the rigorous testing processes that confirm the safety of these limits, assuring consumers that the presence of pesticides in food products adheres to established standards.
The World Health Organisation's warning about the health risks associated with consuming pesticides contaminated plants and food aligns with my comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. I can elaborate on the potential damage to the liver, thyroid glands, and kidneys if toxic substances are ingested in large amounts over time.
The mention of the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) underscores the global efforts to monitor and address issues related to pesticides in food products. This system's role in flagging up concerns, returning or destroying contaminated produce, is a testament to the ongoing commitment to food safety.
The article introduces a specific test by Biorex Food Diagnostics for screening Fipronil in eggs. I possess in-depth knowledge about Fipronil, a broad-spectrum insecticide, its metabolites, and the associated Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) set by the European Union. My understanding extends to the fact that Fipronil is not permitted for use on food-producing animals and is not considered carcinogenic. Additionally, I am aware of the adverse effects reported on the nervous system based on studies conducted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In conclusion, my expertise encompasses the entire spectrum of concepts discussed in the article, from the concerns of consumers and producers to the regulatory measures, testing procedures, and specific details about Fipronil and its detection methods. If further information or clarification is needed, I am readily available to provide insights and address inquiries.
