PDP has an important role in the implementation of the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). This law directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect pesticide residue data on commodities most frequently consumed by infants and children. PDP is the primary source of residue data used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess dietary exposure during the review of the safety of existing pesticide tolerances (maximum residue limits).

PDP has analyzed over 110 commodities including fresh and processed fruit and vegetables, meats (beef and pork), poultry, fish, milk and dairy products, infant formula, grains and grain products, and drinking water (surface, ground, and bottled). A complete list of the commodities can be found on the Testing History page. Methods of analysis used by PDP laboratories are presented in the link below in the form of brief abstract and literature reference where applicable. PDP methods for individual commodities are available on request. Although different methods of analysis can be used to analyze the same commodity, each method has been demonstrated to produce robust data through extensive method validation and ongoing quality assurance/quality control and proficiency testing procedures. PDP residue methods have been proposed for endorsement by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

For additional information, please contact the PDP staff by e-mail at amsmpo.data@ams.usda.gov.