Chemical Residue Management

The Primary Industry Group develops and implements a range of programs that minimises the likelihood that agricultural chemical products will be misused. Misuse of chemical products can result in chemical residues that exceed the legal maximum residue limit.

The Biosecurity and Product Integrity division conducts a chemical residue monitoring program for horticultural produce. Territory produce is also tested through interstate market sampling programs conducted by government agencies and FreshTest quality assurance, the National Residue Survey (NRS) and the Australian Total Diet Survey.

The program commenced in 2005 with Asian vegies, mangoes, citrus and table grapes.  The program will continue in 2008. 

Northern Territory Legislation pertaining to Chemical Residues in Agricultural Produce:

• The Northern Territory Food Act 2004
• The Northern Territory Stock Diseases Act and Regulations
• Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Northern Territory) Act
• Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 
• Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations