Did You Know Pesticides In Food Are Like Table Tennis Balls On The Moon?

Scientists can quantify pesticides in food at incredibly low concentrations, typically in the range of 0.01 mg/kg [1]. To put this in perspective looking for a pesticide at such low concentrations would be proportionally equivalent to finding a table tennis ball on the moon^*. Modern analytical techniques can allow detection at even lower levels.

But detection alone should not cause concern [1]. Regulators set maximum residue levels to guarantee correct use of pesticides and facilitate food trade. These levels are below potentially harmful values, which ensures food safety.

_{^*Based on a similar proportionality factor of ~10^-8, a pesticide residue of 0.01 mg in 1 kg of food is equivalent to a table tennis ball (4 cm diameter) on the moon (3474.8 km diameter).}

[1] The 2020 European Union report on pesticide residues in food (EFSA)