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This research project is a pilot study that aims to investigate whether organophosphate degradation residues are found on foodstuffs.
<p>If this study does detect organophosphate degradation residues, a full study protocol will be developed to investigate the full extent of their occurrence and the effects of food processing and preparation on both organophosphate pesticide and degradation residue levels on foodstuffs.
In its report on Risk Assessment of Mixtures of Pesticides and Similar Substances, the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food Consumer Products and the Environment recommended a need for further investigation of the effect of food processing and preparation on the bioavailability and chemical nature of residues.
<p>The determination of the detoxification metabolites of organophosphate pesticides on foodstuffs may have implications for risk assessments; indicating that the levels of organophosphate metabolites detected in urine samples of the general population are indicative of exposure to degradation residues rather than the more toxic organophosphate pesticides.
<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.