SEP 25: Pesticides were discovered in a quarter of all food tested in the UK last year, according to a report.

Among the highest results were in fruit and vegetables, with a third of samples containing traces of chemicals used in agriculture.

Campaigners say the widespread use of pesticides raises a number of health concerns.

There are fears the chemicals may "bio-accumulate" in our bodies or harm our hormone systems.

Experts on the Pesticide Residues Committee (PRC) co-ordinate tests for the presence of pesticides in food and drink on behalf of the Government, focusing on those items at greatest risk.

More than 4,000 samples were analysed last year as part of a programme costing A£2.2 million. Each sample contains quantities of the same product, mixed together.

According to the PRC's annual report, 75% of the food and drink tested was free any trace of pesticides.

However, 24% of the samples contained small amounts of at least one pesticide although not at a level where the PRC said it caused concern.

Less than 1% of the food and drink exceeded what is known as the "maximum residue level".

The MRL is designed to check good agricultural practices are being followed but does not necessarily imply a health risk.

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