Managing chemical residues

Chemical residues are the traces of a chemical or its breakdown products that remain in or on treated produce. Chemical residues can occur by directly treating produce with a chemical product as well as from exposure to chemicals (off-target drift, persistent chemicals in soil).

About chemical residues

Chemical residues are the traces of a chemical or its breakdown products that remain in or on treated produce after a particular time.

Chemical use for export

Be aware of, and comply with, importing country requirements.

Chemical residue resources

See our list of useful chemical residue resources.

Dieldrin and DDT soil contamination

Dieldrin and DDT can contaminate soil for decades and can accumulate in agricultural produce and livestock.

Post harvest chemical treatment

Growers must be aware of the chain of custody through which their produce passes, and of any potential chemicals used by others in the chain.

Residue information for vets

Vets are legally required to state the withholding period on the dispensing label or inform the producer in writing.

Results of Targeted AgChem Residue Program (TARP) 2015–2021

TARP is an annual program that measures residues against maximum residue limits to assist in verifying if agvet chemicals are being used appropriately.

Withholding periods

A withholding period is the minimum time between the last application of an agricultural chemical to a crop and the harvest, sale or use of the produce.