This year the competent phytosanitary inspection service took 1,220 samples of food of plant origin, fruits and vegetables, during import at the border crossings in the Republic of Srpska, which was tested for residues of 200 active substances. Based on the laboratory analyses the analysed samples did not have pesticides above the levels prescribed by the Rulebook on maximum levels of pesticide residues in food and feed of plant and animal origin.

Also, in accordance with the annual Monitoring programme for plant protection product residues in food of plant origin, which is annually adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Srpska, food of plant origin is samples in retail sale, trade facilities, as well as in primary production of domestic producers, all of it aimed at control of pesticide residues.

So far 150 samples of fruits and vegetables from primary productions were tested, and around 170 samples from retail sale. After the laboratory testing all samples were found to be safe. 

 All shipments of fruits and vegetables being imported through border crossings and customs offices in the Republic of Srpska are subject of mandatory control. The main goal of inspection surveillance is that shipments of fruits and vegetables being imported into the Republic of Srpska are healthy and safe for human consumption, in accordance with prescribed safety and quality parameters.

Competent inspectors pay a special attention to seasonal products that are being imported more intensively in a certain time period of the year. Also, it is important to stress that shipments sampled for testing are banned from marketing, distribution or processing until an inspector issues a Decision in accordance with the laboratory results. In cases when tests find irregularities, there is no risk of that food being used, since it had not been available to consumers.

Shipments for which the analysis shows they do not meet the requirements are banned from import and ordered to be returned to sender or destroyed under the supervision of a competent inspector.

Laboratory results are the only valid indicators is a product is safe or not. Based on these results we can say that in the Republic of Srpska a safe food of plant origin is sold, meeting prescribed requirements, as well that domestic agricultural producers use good agricultural practices and use plant protection products in an appropriate manner.