Applicazione dell'indice di qualità per i Residui (IqR) all'analisi dei dati relativi al controllo dei residui di fitofarmaci in prodotti di origine vegetale effettuato in Italia nel 1997

The application of the Index of quality for Residues (IqR) to the analysis of data concerning the monitoring of pesticide residues in fruit, vegetables and cereals, carried out in Italy in 1997, is proposed. The Index of quality for Residues (IqR) is calculated as the sum of the ratios between the levels of residues revealed in the sample and Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) levels; the IqR does not consider the residues in absolute terms, but rather the ratio to the permitted MRL, in order to weigh the amount of the contamination as compared to the tolerance accepted. The use of the Index of quality for Residues (IqR) allows vegetables, fruit and cereals to be subdivided into four classes of quality: Excellent, Good, Adequate, Inadequate, according to IqR levels. The application of IqR allows the products with high IqR levels and of Inadequate Quality to be highlighted: these must be the object of more accurate checks in the next few years.