In 2025, NVWA tested 5,963 samples of vegetables, fruit, grains and processed products, among other foods, for pesticide residues. The statutory Maximum Residue Level was exceeded in 2.6% of the samples. No pesticides were detected in one third of the samples.
Of the samples tested, 2,217 came from Dutch food businesses and 3,746 from Dutch airports and seaports. NVWA carries out the inspections on a risk-based basis, paying extra attention to products that are widely consumed or that have exceeded the limit more frequently in the past.
When an exceedance was found, NVWA took measures to prevent the product from reaching consumers. Businesses had to withdraw the product from the market. Depending on the situation, this was followed by a written warning or administrative fine, or products detained at the border were not permitted to be imported.
NVWA shares its findings annually with the European Food Safety Authority, RIVM and other European Member States. The data are used for risk-based supervision and to establish new limits. According to the models of EFSA and RIVM, total exposure to residues through food does not currently lead to a health risk in practice.
