Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryIndustry / policy report

The future of food safety: pesticides and health

UN FAO

2021

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Summary

This FAO report provides a policy-oriented overview of the relationship between pesticide use in global food production and food safety outcomes for human populations. It likely synthesises existing evidence on pesticide residue monitoring, risk assessment frameworks, and the health implications of dietary exposure, with particular attention to low- and middle-income countries where regulatory capacity may be limited. The report is intended to inform policymakers, food safety authorities, and international bodies on priorities for strengthening pesticide governance.

UK applicability

While the report is global in scope, its findings are applicable to the UK insofar as they relate to international trade, import residue standards, and the alignment of UK food safety regulations with Codex Alimentarius guidelines post-Brexit. UK policymakers and the Food Standards Agency may find the report relevant when reviewing MRL frameworks and monitoring programmes.

Key measures

Pesticide residue levels; acceptable daily intakes (ADIs); maximum residue limits (MRLs); health risk indicators; regulatory coverage across countries

Outcomes reported

The report examines the risks posed by pesticide residues in food to human health, reviewing current regulatory frameworks, exposure pathways, and the adequacy of international food safety standards. It likely identifies gaps in monitoring, enforcement, and risk assessment across different national contexts.

Theme
Policy, governance & rights
Subject
Pesticides & food safety regulation
Study type
Policy
Study design
Policy report
Source type
Industry/policy report
Status
Published
Geography
Global
System type
Food supply chain
Catalogue ID
XL0451

Topic tags

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