The program was begun in 1991 with fresh fruits and vegetables and extended to processed commodities in 1994. Grains were added in 1995, milk in 1996, single-serving size samples 1997, and corn syrup in 1998. Each product type has a different sampling system based on product marketing and residue testing profile required. The participating states are California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. These states plus states in their distribution network represent more than half the Nation's population, major agricultural states, and all regions of the country.
Samples are prepared for testing emulating consumer practices.
Participating laboratories adhere to uniform standard operating procedures for sample collection, analysis, and electronic transfer of data. Some special surveys will require 100 to 300 samples. About 8,900 samples are scheduled for 1998 resulting in approximately 51,000 analyses. State and Federal laboratories perform analyses for more than 100 pesticides using multi- and specific residue methods. The 1997 Summary is being prepared and should be published in late 1998 or early 1999.