UK to wind down Expert Committee on Pesticide Residues in Food

The UK government has announced that it will formally wind down the Expert Committee on Pesticide Residues in Food (PRiF) by May 2026, citing the maturity of existing regulatory systems that make a standing advisory body less necessary.

The committee, which has provided independent guidance on monitoring pesticide residues in both domestic and imported foods for more than a decade, will be replaced by ad hoc consultation with scientific and industry experts, including the Expert Committee on Pesticides, the Food Standards Agency, and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) emphasized that the closure of PRiF will not reduce the rigor of the UK’s pesticide monitoring programme. Results of residue tests and annual reports will continue to be published publicly, maintaining transparency and compliance standards for producers and exporters.

Analysts say the move reflects a broader trend among regulators to streamline advisory structures while retaining scientific oversight through established channels. For global agribusinesses, the change signals continuity in food safety enforcement but underscores the importance of staying informed on evolving consultation and reporting practices.

The UK remains committed to ensuring pesticides are applied in accordance with legal standards and that food sold in the country remains safe for consumers, according to government statements.