Countries in Asia and the Pacific region of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recognize the need to have a comprehensive framework for pesticide residue management though science-based risk assessment, management and communication. The framework incorporates a range of functions and activities including pesticide registration, Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) setting, approval of a pesticide product label, farmer education, pesticide control-of-use regulation, food traceability, verification of good agricultural practice, national residue monitoring programmes, facilitation of trade and market access, traceback investigation and pesticide review. The frameworks tend to be operated as a continuum seeking ongoing improvement in good agricultural practice and enhancements to food safety.

A sound pesticide residue framework does not rely only on residue monitoring but importantly includes at the very least pesticide registration, chemical control-of-use, traceback investigation and a chemical review process. An increasing focus on harmonization of the pesticide risk management framework elements including the setting of MRLs is a key strategy to assist countries in the region. FAO received an official request from all ten countries participating in an FAO project entitled, “Support for capacity building for international food safety and implementation in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries” to assist the countries in developing the basis for countries to implement effective pesticide residue monitoring systems which are in line with the overall framework of the ASEAN food safety policy.