GB Potatoes and the CIPC Residues Monitoring Group (CRMG) are urging potato growers and store managers to submit their residue sampling results before 31 August and to make store cleaning a priority.
The latest CRMG surveillance data shows that chlorpropham (CIPC) residues detected in potato stores remain within the current permitted limit. Residue levels are continuing to decline, demonstrating the progress made by the industry since CIPC was withdrawn in 2020.
Around one in seven stores is still returning a detectable CIPC residue, compared with approximately one in four during the first year of monitoring. While these detections are within acceptable regulatory levels, the results show that historic residues can remain in stores and underline the importance of continued thorough cleaning.
Adrian Cunnington, chair of CRMG, said: “The trend is encouraging and the industry deserves credit for the progress made. But we cannot be complacent. With around one in seven stores still showing a positive result, there is clearly more work to do, and thorough cleaning between storage seasons remains the single most important action growers can take.”
The CRMG is particularly encouraging growers and store managers supplying the fresh sector to participate in this season’s monitoring programme. The programme has received strong support from the processing sector, but fresh-sector stores remain less well represented. The deadline for residue sampling results submission is 31 August, with data then to be collated and submitted to the regulator by mid-September.
The current temporary Maximum Residue Level (tMRL) for CIPC stands at 0.35mg/kg. Monitoring results remain below this acceptable limit, but continued sampling and effective store cleaning are essential to demonstrate ongoing compliance and prepare the industry should regulatory thresholds tighten in future.
More information, full store cleaning guidance and submission forms for sampling are available at www.gb-potatoes.co.uk/growers-urged-to-submit-store-samples/
