Describes procedures that can be used by national authorities to predict the dietary intake of pesticide residues and thus reach conclusions concerning the acceptability of Codex Maximum Residue Limits from a public health point of view. Prepared in collaboration with the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues, the guidelines respond to the need for a method of reaching reasonable assurance that the intakes of pesticide residues for different populations do not exceed safety limits.

The book opens with background information on methods used to establish acceptable daily intake and maximum residue limits for pesticides. Methods for predicting the dietary intake of pesticide residues are then introduced in terms of general considerations, indices of residue levels, and indices of food consumption, including those appropriate for use in predicting intake at international and national levels. Now in its second edition, the book reflects several improvements in methods for estimating levels of residues in food. Readers are given details for calculating intake levels using theoretical maximum daily intake, estimated maximum daily intake, and estimated daily intake.

To illustrate the use of these guidelines, the book features sample calculations of theoretical maximum daily intake and international estimated daily intake values as well as estimates of exposure performed at the national level. The book concludes with a glossary of key terms and a series of notes on the correct use of the guidelines.