Department of Pesticide Regulation

2001-2002 MARKETPLACE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM

The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), Pesticide Enforcement Branch (ENF) is in the process of coordinating schedules for the 2001-2002 Marketplace Surveillance Program. The Marketplace Surveillance Program is a regulatory program designed to monitor compliance with pesticide laws and to help ensure that any detected pesticide residues are within the established tolerance levels. Residue data from this program will be considered in development of dietary risk assessments.

This contract will focus on the following fresh, raw agricultural commodities: apricot, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, celery, cherry, citrus, corn (sweet), nectarine, pea (succulent), pear, pepper (bell), plum, potatoes, strawberry, tomato, and watermelon. All samples are to be collected from packinghouses and the field at packing time. Samples must be delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours of collection to allow for follow-up when necessary. For laboratory efficiency twelve samples must be collected in one day and samples will be analyzed only on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Laboratories require samples be submitted by 7:00 a.m. so they can be analyzed the same day.

All commodities will be run through a multi-residue screen (organophosphate, carbamate, and chlorinated hydrocarbons) to detect a total of more than 200 pesticides, metabolites, and breakdown products. All commodities will be analyzed for illegal residues. State and county staff will coordinate follow-up on illegal residues. Possible detection of multiple pesticide residues on a given commodity will also provide useful information for dietary assessments.

The 2001-2002 Marketplace Surveillance Program will mirror last year's program. DPR is reexamining the scope of this program and at this time can only invite those counties that had a contract during fiscal year 2000-2001 to submit a proposal to participate during 2001-2002. Those of you who are interested in participating must submit a proposal to the Pesticide Enforcement Branch by May 1, 2001. Your proposal must include a list of commodities to sample, the total number of samples to be collected, and the cost per sample collection. The sample collection costs must not exceed the amount in the 2000-2001 contract. The Pesticide Enforcement Branch will calendar your collection days.

We will continue to evaluate the scope of this program. If you have any recommendations for the 2002-2003 program, please feel free to submit them to Ms. Terry Schmer or myself.

If you have any questions about the program or sampling protocol, please contact Ms. Schmer at (916) 445-4023.

cc:  Mr. Daniel J. Merkley, Agricultural Commissioner Liaison
      Ms. Terry Schmer