WA leads nation on pesticide residue testing

13/4/06
Agriculture and Food Minister Kim Chance today welcomed a report from consumer magazine Choice which revealed Western Australia had the best regular testing for pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables in the nation.
The report stated that in WA the Department of Health conducted ongoing testing and surveying of fruits and vegetables every two to five years, including retail outlets and supermarket chains.
"WA consumers can be confident that when they are buying WA produce, it is being subjected to the most stringent testing in Australia," Mr Chance said.
"The State Government has always supported a 'buy local' campaign for fresh fruit and vegetables, and this is yet another incentive for WA consumers to continue to do so."
The Choice survey also called for a national standard for the testing of pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables.
The Minister said he supported a discussion on a national standard of testing of pesticide residues and would be writing to the Federal Ministers for Agriculture and Health to progress this.
"I support the recommendations of the WA Economics and Industry Standing Committee report regarding the expansion of residue screening on imported foods to be equivalent to screening of local produce and call on the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) to expand this testing regime accordingly," Mr Chance said.
"The Carpenter Government is protecting and enhancing WA's unique lifestyle and environment."

Minister's Office - 9213 6700