Quantity and frequency of pesticides in forage and animal foodstuffs in use in Italy.

The results of analytical investigations on pesticide residues in the forages and foodstuffs most commonly used in Italy are described. Examination of 9,056 samples, selected at random during the period spring 1970 to autumn 1974, showed that 17 pesticide residues could be identified by the gas chromatographic technique employed and described, with quite significant mean total concentrations. These residues, although not reaching levels to cause problems of acute toxicity, can upset the symbiosis balance in the alimentary tract and reduce the economic results from farm animals.