Apolar pesticides in food: a silent health risk

In recent years, food safety experts have raised alarms about the presence of non-polar pesticides in animal-derived foods. These compounds, known for their lipophilicity, tend to accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals such as cattle, pigs, and fish, potentially posing risks to human health.

A recent study analyzed samples of meat, milk, and fish, detecting traces of organochlorine pesticides and other persistent contaminants. Although most of the residues fall within legal limits, experts warn that prolonged exposure to low doses could have cumulative effects on the human body, interfering with the endocrine system and increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Non-polar pesticides, known for their resistance to degradation, can persist for a long time in the environment and in living organisms. Their accumulation in animal fatty tissues poses the risk of slow and continuous release into the human body through the consumption of meat and its derivatives, leading to chronic exposure. Several studies have suggested a possible link to metabolic disorders, fertility problems, and immune system dysfunction.

Organizations like EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) play a crucial role in the ongoing monitoring of pesticide residues in food, assessing compliance with legal limits and the overall exposure of consumers. However, relying solely on downstream monitoring is not sufficient: it is essential to adopt a preventive approach throughout the food chain, promoting sustainable farming practices, targeted analytical controls, and active surveillance of high-risk matrices, such as animal fats.

🍖 Focus on a critical matrix: lard

Products like lard are particularly indicative because they represent a matrix where lipophilic pesticides tend to concentrate. Monitoring this type of food provides crucial insights into the actual exposure levels of consumers and the effectiveness of containment measures.

🔬 PT Pesticides in swine fat – Round of October 2025

In the case of complex and lipid-rich matrices like lard, pesticide residue analysis represents a significant technical challenge. For this reason, Test Veritas is offering a PT in October 2025 specifically dedicated to pesticides determination in swine fat.

This proficiency test aims to support laboratories in validating and strengthening their analytical competencies, offering them the opportunity to benchmark on a real and particularly critical matrix subject to bioaccumulation phenomena. The initiative aligns with continuous improvement and adherence to European and international standards, in a context where the reliability of analytical data is crucial for ensuring food safety.

PT for Pesticides in swine fat (code M5804)

• Deadline per online orders: September 5th 2025
• Shipping Date: October 20th 2025
• Test Material: swine fat, 50g x 1 Test Material, spiked
• Wide range of molecules under study: At least five will be present, with HCHa, Alpha endosulfan, and aldrin guaranteed.
• Indicative concentrations: < 300ppb
• Price: 304,00€

SAVE ON SHIPPING COSTS IN OCTOBER! Progetto Trieste – Pesticide Residues PTs are scheduled for the Round of October. In the same round, you will also find PTs for other lines like Progetto Trieste – Metals, Progetto Trieste – Mycotoxins, Progetto Trieste – Veterinary Drug Residues, and Progetto Trieste – Additives. Order as many PTs as you want from those shipped on the same day: shipping costs remain unchanged!

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OUR POINTS of STRENGHT for these PT

• In general, our Pesticide Residue Proficiency Tests have a conspicuous list of molecules under study. Of these, a minimum number of molecules will be present. The presence of some of these molecules will be declared and guaranteed. Check our programme to find out the molecules declared as present, it will be updated soon!
• With us, the convenience doubles! For all Progetto Trieste PTs, you can submit 2 sets of results: with a single subscription you will receive the evaluation of 2 laboratory technicians or 2 analytical methods directly in the Final Report.
• Even more reliable assigned value due to the high stability of our Test Materials, which are mostly supplied as lyophilized (to be analyzed after reconstitution) so as to ensure their stability even over long transports. In this way, each participant, regardless of his or her country of origin, will be assured that he/she will receive the sample in exactly the same condition as the other participants. After reconstitution it will be like a sample from your routine.
• Blank materials available! For all proposed PTs there is an option to purchase blank material (test material before spiking).

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