Potato growers and store managers are being urged to submit residue sampling results before the August 31 deadline as the industry continues efforts to demonstrate that chlorpropham (CIPC) contamination in stores is declining.
GB Potatoes and the CIPC Residues Monitoring Group (CRMG) say the latest surveillance data shows residue levels remain within the current permitted limit, with contamination continuing to fall following the withdrawal of CIPC in 2020.
Monitoring indicates around one in seven potato stores still returns a detectable CIPC residue, compared with around one in four stores during the first year of monitoring. While all detections remain below the current temporary Maximum Residue Level of 0.35mg/kg, organisers say the results highlight how historic residues can persist and reinforce the importance of thorough store cleaning between seasons.
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CRMG chair Adrian Cunnington 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 group is particularly encouraging participation from growers supplying the fresh potato market, where fewer stores have taken part in the monitoring programme than in the processing sector.
Residue sampling results must be submitted by August 31, with the data due to be collated and sent to regulators by the middle of September.
The industry says continued monitoring and effective store hygiene will be essential to demonstrate compliance and prepare for any future tightening of residue limits.
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