A pilot study to test for chlorate and perchlorate residues on fruit and in water in the pome industry

The European Union (EU) are considering the restriction of the import of fruit with chlorate and perchlorate residues higher than 0.01mg/ kg, as it is thought that these substances could be harmful to human health. A pilot study was undertaken to test fruit and water from the pome industry for the presence of chlorate and perchlorate residues. Results indicate that chlorates are present in water, from both the source water, and water amended with chlorine products in the pack-house flume. Yet, with the exception of a single fruit sample, where the chlorate residue was 0.06 mg/ kg, none of the fruit samples tested exhibited chlorate residues above the proposed Maximum residue limit value of 0.01 mg/ kg. This indicates that although chlorates may be present in the water used in pome pack-houses, it is unlikely that the water is a source of chlorate residues on fruit. Perchlorate residues were not detected in any of the fruit and water samples analysed.

Problem identification and objectives

Recent communications from European Regulatory bodies have indicated the importance of measuring the levels of chlorate and perchlorate residues on fruit, since these substances, taken at certain dosages are thought to be harmful to human health (Personal Communication, Lindi Benic, 2014). This study aims to investigate the chlorate and perchlorate levels on pome fruit, as well as from flume water in order to establish if the compounds are found on pome fruit within the industry and if so, at what levels. Furthermore, water samples, both from the initial source of water (e.g. dams) and within flumes will be tested to establish if water is a source of chlorates and perchlorates on fruit.