Abstract: | The development of food surveys for levels of pesticide residues, toxic metals and polychlorobiphenyls and related compounds is outlined. The role of the surveys in monitoring the effect on the levels of compounds in specific foods following changes in pesticide usage is explained. Studies over 8 years on levels in the total diet show they are well below the acceptable daily intakes recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organisation/World Health Organisation for organchlorine and other pesticides. During this period the levels found have in general declined. |