Nowadays, there are more than a thousand pesticides that are used around the globe to ensure that food is not ruined or damaged by pests. However, many of these pesticides have different properties and toxic effects. For instance, older and cheaper pesticides can remain for years in soil and water that can make plants that grow toxic.
Pesticides toxicity depends mainly on its function and several other factors. For example, insecticides are more toxic to people when compared to herbicides.
Several studies have shown that pesticides are linked to different health conditions, such as cancer, birth defects, and even Alzheimer’s Disease. This is why pesticide residue analysis has never been more important than it is today.
Despite the significance of pesticide residue testing, there are still people who don’t take this matter seriously. This article will talk about the significance of pesticide testing in the food processing and packaging industry.
What is a Pesticide Residue?
Pesticide residue refers to the different types of pesticides—fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, molluscicides, rodenticides—that remain in food crops and different food products. Currently, there are allowable and accepted levels of pesticide residues in food.
This is why there are strict regulations and control in the production, distribution, and use of pesticides for food products, according to Inside Science.
What is Pesticide Residue Analysis?
Pesticide residue testing, which is also known as pesticide residue analysis, is a highly-specialized field of analytical chemistry that is an important component in determining food products that are safe and non-toxic for consumers.
Pesticide residue analysis provides a reliable determination—both quantification and identification—of pesticide residues in food using different techniques, such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
It is a process required by the governing bodies and authorities when it comes to strict internal regulations of food products that use pesticides.
Why Do Pesticide Residue Analysis?
According to several reports and studies, pesticides are the leading causes of death by self-poisoning. Deaths that are directly or indirectly caused by pesticides are rampant in low- and middle-income countries.
Without the proper regulation of food products that use pesticides, there will be an increase in the number of pesticide-related deaths in the future. This is why pesticide residue testing is of the utmost importance.
Pesticide residue analysis is done to protect public health and consumers as a whole. It helps by determining the maximum limits for pesticide residues in both water and food products.
What are the Benefits of Pesticide Residue Analysis?
Pesticide residue analysis has several benefits and advantages that positively companies and the consumer public. Some of these benefits include the following:
Pass Strict Regulations
Nobody should be exposed to unsafe amounts of pesticides. This is why several countries have agreed to ban numerous pesticides that can cause harm to public health. There are also actions to restrict or eliminate the use of and production of harmful pesticides.
Because of this, there are strict regulations in the food industry when it comes to pesticide use.
Outsourcing your products for pesticide residue testing enables you to pass the strict regulations imposed by several countries on different food products.
By doing pesticide residue testing, you will be rest assured that your food products won’t be banned in the market.
Responsible Business Practices
Businesses involved in the food processing and packaging industry have the responsibility to ensure that their food products are safe to eat. Without pesticide residue testing, you have no idea whether the food you sell to consumers has high amounts of pesticide residue, which is certainly not a good thing to do.
Having your food products analyzed for pesticide residue shows that you are a company that performs responsible business practices. This means you are a company that cares about its reputation and health of its consumers.
Earn the Trust of Your Consumers and Business Partners
Consumer and public trust are difficult to gain; this is why companies and businesses do everything in their power to maintain it. However, public trust can easily be lost. If you don’t analyze your food products for pesticide residue, it is only a matter of time before an unwanted event occurs, which negatively affects your business’ reputation.
Once the reputation of your business is scarred, consumers would no longer buy your products, and your business partners will no longer do transactions with you. This is why pesticide residue testing is important because it helps you to maintain the trust of your consumers and partners.
Conclusion
Pesticide residue testing is one of the most important things that you should accomplish, especially if you are in the food packaging and processing industry. When it comes to pesticide testing, it is not something that you should take lightly.