PESTICIDE levels above the legal limit, known as the maximum residue level, have been found in nine out of 143 food samples analysed by the Department of Agriculture and Food's pesticide control service during the first quarter of 1997.
The contaminated samples were either fruit or vegetables, of which seven were imported. The highest levels were found in a lettuce sample from Spain and a sample of pears from Portugal. The samples did not pose a health risk as levels not exceed the "acceptable daily intake", the Department said. The violations are being investigated.
