Pesticide Residue Testing
& MRL Compliance

Comprehensive food pesticide residue testing and multi-residue screening to ensure your products meet strict Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for the EU, Japan, and US markets.

Screening Capability

500+ Compounds

Technology

LC-MS/MS & GC-MS/MS

Regulations

EU, USDA, Japan

Avoid Border Rejections & DWPE

Exporting food products requires navigating a complex web of global pesticide regulations. A product that is compliant in the US may be rejected in the European Union, where limits are significantly stricter.
AGT Food Labs is an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory providing high-sensitivity pesticide residue testing services to detect trace levels of pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides. Our food pesticide testing protocols validate your compliance against specific destination MRLs to prevent costly detentions and protect your global supply chain.

The Pesticide Residue Testing Workflow

Using industry-standard methods for accurate food pesticide testing results.

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01. Submission

Send 500g of sample for pesticide residue testing. Specify your target export market (e.g., EU, Japan) so we can apply the correct limits.

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02. Extraction

We use the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method to isolate residues from the food matrix.

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03. Dual Analysis

Samples are run on both LC-MS/MS (for polar compounds) and GC-MS/MS (for volatile compounds) for full coverage.

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04. Compliance Report

We provide a Certificate of Analysis flagging any residues that exceed the MRL based on our accurate pesticide testing data.

Our Pesticide Residue Testing Services

Tailored screening packages to meet the specific needs of produce, grain, and spice exporters.

a modern analytical lab with a scientist wearing a lab coat and nitrile gloves operating a high-performance liquid chromatographyfor pesticide residue testing in progress

Comprehensive

Multi-Residue Pesticide Screen (500+)

Our flagship service covers over 500 chemical compounds in a single run. This broad-spectrum pesticide residue testing screen is essential for "Due Diligence" testing, identifying everything from Organophosphates and Carbamates to modern Pyrethroids.

Complex Matrix Expertise: Unlike many standard labs, we specialize in difficult matrices like Spices, Tea, and Essential Oils. We utilize specific cleanup steps (PSA/GCB) to remove interferences that often cause false positives in these high-value products.

Key Chemical Classes:

Organochlorines (DDT, Dieldrin)
Organophosphates (Chlorpyrifos)
Carbamates
Neonicotinoids

USDA NOP / EU Organic

Organic Verification Testing

If you claim "Organic," you must prove it. We screen for synthetic pesticides prohibited under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). Even trace levels of prohibited substances can cause your organic certification to be suspended.

We specifically monitor for Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO), a synergist often found in "natural" pyrethrum formulations that is strictly prohibited in organic farming, detected via our pesticide testing protocols.

glyphosate and polar pesticide contamination in agriculture. A misty industrial farm landscape at dawn_ crop fields

Specialized Single Analyte

Glyphosate & Polar Pesticides

Some widely used herbicides like Glyphosate (Roundup), Paraquat, and Ethephon require specialized extraction methods and cannot be detected in a standard pesticide residue testing screen because they are highly polar.

Common Add-Ons:

Glyphosate / AMPA
Ethephon (Ripening agent)
Fosetyl-Al (Fungicide)
Dithiocarbamates

Methods & Instruments

We use state-of-the-art mass spectrometry to achieve low-level detection limits required by the EU.

Pesticide Residue Testing Methods
Method Name	Reference	Instrumentation	Typical LOQ
QuEChERS Extraction	AOAC 2007.01 / EN 15662	Sample Prep	N/A
Multi-Residue Screen	AOAC 2007.01	LC-MS/MS & GC-MS/MS	0.01 mg/kg (ppm)
Glyphosate	Polar Pesticide Method	LC-MS/MS	0.01 mg/kg (ppm)
Dithiocarbamates	CS2 Evolution Method	GC-MS / Spectro	0.05 mg/kg (ppm)
Ethylene Oxide (EtO)	GC-MS Headspace	GC-MS	0.01 mg/kg (ppm)

Global MRL Compliance

Our pesticide residue testing validates against the specific regulatory database of your destination market.

European Union (EU)

The strictest in the world. If a pesticide is not explicitly approved, the Default MRL is 0.01 mg/kg. We ensure your LOQs meet this stringent requirement.

Japan Positive List

Japan operates on a Positive List system. Any chemical not on the list has a uniform limit of 0.01 ppm. We screen specifically for chemicals commonly monitored by Japanese quarantine.

USA (EPA/FDA)

We verify compliance with EPA Tolerances (40 CFR Part 180). Products exceeding these tolerances are deemed "adulterated" by the FDA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about pesticide residues and export limits.

What does "MRL" mean?

MRL stands for Maximum Residue Limit. It is the highest level of a pesticide residue that is legally tolerated in food or feed, determined through certified pesticide residue testing. MRLs vary by country and commodity.

How much sample is required for pesticide residue testing?

Typically, we require a minimum of 500g to 1kg of the product to ensure a representative sample. For expensive items like saffron or vanilla, smaller quantities may be accepted upon consultation.

How long does the pesticide residue testing analysis take?

Our standard turnaround time is 5-7 business days. We also offer an expedited Rush Service (48-72 hours) for urgent shipments to meet vessel or flight cut-off times.

Does washing produce remove pesticides?

Washing can reduce surface residues, but many pesticides are "systemic," meaning they are absorbed inside the fruit or vegetable. Systemic pesticides cannot be washed off and will be detected during pesticide residue testing analysis.

Why is the limit often 0.01 mg/kg?

In the EU and Japan, if a pesticide does not have a specific established limit for a crop, it defaults to the "Limit of Determination" which is typically set at 0.01 mg/kg. This effectively means "zero tolerance" or "not detected."

What is the difference between LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS?

Different pesticides have different chemical properties. **GC-MS/MS** is best for volatile, non-polar compounds (like Organochlorines). **LC-MS/MS** is best for polar, heat-sensitive compounds (like many modern herbicides). We use **both** to ensure no residues are missed.

Export with Confidence.

Ensure your products pass global border checks with our accredited Pesticide Residue Testing services.

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Pesticide Residue Testing & MRL Compliance