Frozen peas make our lives easier because they are healthy and very quick to prepare. Whether in a soup, as a side dish or in a casserole – nothing can go wrong with frozen peas. But in addition to the simple preparation and quick availability, the taste and especially the harmlessness in terms of contaminants and residues are also very important.
21 products tested: No or very low levels of pesticides detected
In a recent test, 21 products, organic and conventional, were analysed. No synthetic pesticides were detected in the organic products, and in the conventional products, pesticides were detected at very low levels, below the legal maximum levels.
Food products such as frozen peas are tested by the responsible authorities as part of the food monitoring process. In addition, the manufacturers and distributors of food are responsible for the safety of the products and are required to ensure the safety of their products through self-monitoring. If maximum residue levels are exceeded, the product will be rejected and may not be marketed or must be recalled.
Residues of disinfectants detected in small quantities
Small amounts, but below the legal limit, of chlorate residues were detected in five tested products. Chlorate is the salt of chloric acid and is released as a by-product of the use of disinfectants and drinking water treatment, so residues of chlorate can occur in food. Chlorate can inhibit iodine uptake and thus lead to health effects, especially in thyroid sufferers.
According to Regulation (EU) 2020/749, a maximum residue level of 0.35 mg/kg is valid for peas.
Tested for lead and cadmium
The products were also tested for the heavy metals lead and cadmium, because these are often present in vegetables. They are naturally in the environment or enter it through industrial processes. In the products tested above, cadmium was not detected in any sample, but small traces of lead were detected in more than half of the samples. The legal limits, which were tightened in August 2021, were not exceeded in any sample.
According to Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006, a maximum cadmium content of 0.020 mg/kg is valid for peas, and according to Regulation (EU) No. 2021/1317, a maximum lead content of 0.10 mg/kg is valid.
bilacon tests your frozen peas
bilacon supports you to ensure that future tests are also positive and that no maximum residue levels are exceeded during your own inspections or inspections by the authorities.
We analyse your frozen peas with the latest laboratory technology for legally valid maximum residue levels and advise you on your quality management.
If you have any questions about our service, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our expert will be pleased to help you.
Roy Sperling
roy.sperling@tentamus.com
+49 (0) 30 206 038 320
Source: Ökotest
Learn more about the topic of residue analysis!
Source: https://www.tentamus-web.com/bilacon-en/frozen-peas-pesticides-lead/