Food News

In March 2005, QS introduced QS residue monitoring. In doing so, QS established an effective control system that guarantees the safety of fruit, vegetables and potatoes along the entire value chain.

Residue monitoring is an important component of food safety and creates transparency and trust among consumers.

Since its inception, a total of over 200,000 samples have been analysed in laboratories approved for QS monitoring.

The MRL exceedance rate has remained consistently below one per cent in monitoring since 2018.
For the period from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025, 15,356 samples from 27 countries were examined. In 99.32 per cent of cases, the limit values were complied with.

The requirements for laboratories have risen steadily over the last 20 years. With the help of covert quality tests, QS-approved laboratories are regularly checked during routine operations for the quality of their analysis and evaluation of results. This ensures that the measurement results are 100% reliable. This is important because businesses that do not meet the quality criteria for residues face severe sanctions. This reliability at all levels of the QS system is responsible for the success and broad public recognition of the seal among producers, retailers and consumers.

Control plan for 2026 published

QS has published the control plan (Appendix 10.1 Guide to Residue Monitoring for Fruit, Vegetables and Potatoes Control Plan) for QS residue monitoring to be implemented in 2026. As part of the revision of the control plan, QS worked with the Scientific Advisory Board to review the risk groups for all products and adjust them where necessary.

In addition, changes were made with regard to the prescribed analysis methods for certain products/active substances.

The control plan for QS residue monitoring specifies how many samples must be taken in relation to the QS goods purchased as part of residue monitoring. The annual update of the control plan is based on the current analysis results from QS residue monitoring. For a final determination of the product-specific risk levels, further expert opinions, relevant external data sources and other influencing factors, such as product-specific characteristics and the product's country of origin, are also taken into account.

YOUR PLUS: The residue laboratories of the AGROLAB GROUP have been recognised partners of QS from the outset and continue to contribute to this success story through reliable analyses and competent advice to QS member companies.

The version of Annex 10.1 Residue Monitoring Fruit, Vegetables, Potatoes Control Plan valid since 1 January 2026 can be downloaded here.

Author: Dr. Frank Mörsberger, AGROLAB GROUP