“Zero pesticide residues” means that none of the researched pesticides have been detected above the quantification limit of 0.01 mg/kg (limit chosen in accordance with the indications of Reg. 396/2005 and subsequent amendments).

The molecules taken into consideration were selected from Regulation 396/2005, the agrochemicals database and the European Community database. The selection took into account both possible direct application in the cultivation of olive trees and possible cross-contamination (e.g. presence in irrigation water or in the cultivation of land adjacent to olive groves).

The list was drawn up by collecting data and historical series of molecule measurements from category associations, leading producers of measuring instruments, external laboratories specialised in microbiological and biochemical analysis in the food sector, and experts from the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies.

The list is reviewed annually and updated whenever one of the parties with whom the list was drawn up deems it necessary.