PDP Special Projects

PDP has conducted special projects in response to requests from program stakeholders.  All files are in PDF format.

• 2, 4-D in multiple commodities - In 1992-1998, PDP conducted surveys to collect pesticide residue data for 2, 4-D in multiple commodities using a single/selective residue method.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998.  The single/selective residue method is no longer required, as 2,4-D results have been available using multiresidue methods since 2002.
• Abamectin in multiple commodities - In 1994-1997 and 1999, PDP conducted surveys to collect pesticide residue data for abamectin in multiple commodities using a single/selective residue method.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1999. The single/selective residue method is no longer required, as Abamectin results have been available using multiresidue methods since 2012.
• Almonds - In 2007-2008 and 2023-2024, PDP conducted surveys to collect pesticide residue data on almonds.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 2007, 2008, and 2023. The 2024 data will be available in late 2025 or early 2026.
• Apple single-servings / Carbamates and OPs - In 1999, PDP conducted a survey to collect pesticide residue data for carbamate and organophosphate (OP) compounds on single-serving apples.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary report (pdf) for 1999.
•  Baby Food - In 2010-2013 then again in 2022-2023, PDP conducted a survey to collect pesticide residue data on processed baby foods.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2022, and 2023.
• Benomyl in multiple commodities - In 1992-2000, PDP conducted surveys to collect pesticide residue data for benomyl in multiple commodities using a single/selective residue method.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000. The single /selective residue method is no longer required, as Benomyl results have been available using multiresidue methods since 2001.
• Bifenthrin / Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) project - In 2012, PDP coordinated with U.S. EPA and State Cooperative Extension Services to collect pesticide residue data in pome and stone fruits to support the use of bifenthrin for controlling the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB).  For additional information, please contact the PDP staff by e-mail at amsmpo.data@usda.gov.
• Butter - In 2003, 2012-2013, and 2021-2022, PDP conducted a survey to collect pesticide residue data on butter.   Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 2003, 2012, 2013, 2021, and 2022. 
• Carbendazim in Orange Juice - In 2012, responding to an urgent EPA data request, PDP quickly reintroduced orange juice to collect pesticide residue data for carbendazim (as part of a multi-residue method screen).  The survey included 330 orange juice samples collected for 5 months.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary report (pdf) for 2012.  Carbendazim was subsequently monitored in 690 orange juice samples in 2019 and 2020
• Catfish - In 2008-2010, PDP conducted a survey to collect pesticide residue data on catfish.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 2008, 2009, and 2010.
• Corn Syrup - In 1998-1999, PDP conducted a survey to collect pesticide residue data on high fructose corn syrup samples provided directly from processing plants.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 1998 and 1999.
• Eggs - In 2010-2011 and 2016, PDP conducted surveys to collect pesticide residue data on eggs.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 2010, 2011, and 2016.
•  Ethephon in Apples/Grapes - In 2004, PDP conducted a survey to collect pesticide residue data for ethephon in apples and grapes using a single/selective residue method.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary report (pdf) for 2004.
• Fenbutatin oxide in Apples/Grapes/Oranges/Peaches - In 1995-1996, PDP conducted a survey to collect pesticide residue data for Fenbutatin oxide and its metabolites on apples, grapes, oranges, and peaches using a single/selective residue method.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 1995 and 1996.
• Food Donations - In 2016, PDP commenced donating food to local organizations. Under normal conditions, an entire case of food must be obtained at the distribution center while only three to five pounds is needed for testing, allowing the excess produce to be donated.  Donating the excess food benefits communities near PDP operations. PDP often provides the only fresh commodity donations available to these organizations.

Beginning in 2019, PDP began tracking food donations in association with USDA’s efforts to reduce food loss and waste.   

• Formetanate in multiple commodities - In 1993-1995, 1997-1998, 2000-2001, and 2007-2010, PDP conducted surveys to collect pesticide residue data for formetanate in multiple commodities using a single/selective residue method.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. The single /selective residue method is no longer required, as formetanate results have been available using multiresidue methods since 2011.
• Glyphosate in Soybeans - In 2010-2011 and 2021-2022, PDP conducted surveys to collect pesticide residue data on glyphosate and its AMPA metabolite in soybean samples.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary report (pdf) for 2011, 2021, and 2022.
• Grains - In 1995, the USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), now the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS), provided services for the collection and analysis of 600 wheat samples.  This initiated an ongoing collaboration with FGIS for collecting other raw grains, including corn and soybeans.  Additionally, finished grain products have been collected by PDP State partners, including barley, oats, rice, and wheat flour.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary report (pdf) for 1995 and for other years at PDP Annual Summaries.

In 2022, Grains were a featured spotlight in the PDP 2022 Annual Summary.  Continued collaboration with FGIS ensures grain samples are obtained much earlier in the food distribution chain.  Furthermore, sampling and analysis of the unprocessed grain, i.e. the raw agricultural commodity, allows PDP data users to get insights for a wide variety of food commodities made from grains as opposed to individually sampling each finished grain product. 

• Heavy Cream - In 2005, 2007, and 2017, PDP conducted surveys to collect pesticide residue data in heavy cream.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 2005, 2007, and 2017.
• Honey - In 2007-2008 and 2017, PDP conducted surveys to collect pesticide residue data on honey.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 2007, 2008, and 2017.
• Infant Formula - In 2013-2014, PDP conducted a survey to collect pesticide residue data on infant formula (soy-based and dairy-based).  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 2013 and 2014.
• Macrocyclic Lactones in Lettuce - In 2010, PDP conducted a survey to collect pesticide residue data for 9 macrocyclic lactone compounds in lettuce.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary report (pdf) for 2010.
• Milk - In 1996-1998, 2004-2005, 2011, and 2016-2017, PDP conducted surveys to collect pesticide residue data in milk.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 1996, 1997, 1998, 2004, 2005, 2011, 2016, and 2017.
• Organic Lettuce - In 2009, PDP conducted a survey to collect pesticide residue data for 57 compounds in organic lettuce, with an emphasis on environmental contaminants and compounds used in organic farming practices.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary report (pdf) for 2009.
• Peach single-servings - In 2000, PDP conducted a survey to collect pesticide residue data on single-serving peaches.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary report (pdf) for 2000.
• Peanut Butter - In 2000, 2006, 2015, and 2022, PDP conducted surveys to collect pesticide residue data on peanut butter.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 2000, 2006, 2015, and 2022.
• Pear Juice Concentrates - In 2002-2003, PDP conducted a survey to collect pesticide residue data on 66 pear juice concentrate/puree samples provided directly from pear juice producers.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary report (pdf) for 2003.
• Pear single-servings / OPs - In 1998-1999, PDP conducted a survey to collect pesticide residue data for organophosphate (OP) compounds on single-serving pears.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 1998 and 1999.
• Phenoxy Acid Herbicides in Potatoes/Spinach - In 1998, PDP conducted a survey to collect pesticide residue data for 12 phenoxy acid herbicide compounds on potatoes and spinach.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary report (pdf) for 1998.
• Potato single-servings / Aldicarb - In 1997, PDP conducted a survey to collect pesticide residue data for aldicarb and its metabolites on single-serving potatoes.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary report (pdf) for 1997.
• Salmon - In 2013-2014 and 2024, PDP conducted surveys to collect pesticide residue data on salmon.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 2013 and 2014. The 2024 data will be available in late 2025 or early 2026.
• Soybean Rust/Aphid - In 2005, PDP conducted a survey to collect pesticide residue data for 14 compounds used to combat soybean rust and 2 compounds used to control Chinese aphid on soybeans.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary report (pdf) for 2005.
• Triazole Sampling Project - In 2003, responding to an urgent EPA data request, PDP coordinated with the chemical industry to collect approximately 1,850 samples of bananas, eggs, grapes, milk, and peanut butter and shipped them to private contract laboratories for analysis of triazole fungicides.  For additional information, please contact the PDP staff by e-mail at amsmpo.data@usda.gov.
• Triazoles in Apples/Peaches/Strawberries/Wheat Flour - In 2003-2005, PDP conducted a survey to collect pesticide residue data for triazole fungicides and their metabolites on apples, peaches, strawberries, and wheat flour.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 2003, 2004, and 2005.
• Water, Bottled - In 2005-2006 and 2017, PDP conducted surveys to collect pesticide residue data in bottled water.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 2005, 2006, and 2017.
• Water, Groundwater Sources - In 2007-2013, PDP conducted surveys to collect pesticide residue data in groundwater samples collected from private residences, schools, and daycare facilities.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013.
• Water, Untreated/Treated from Surface Water Sources - In 2001-2013, PDP conducted surveys to collect pesticide residue data in untreated and treated (finished) drinking water samples from water treatment facilities that draw from surface water sources.  Findings were reported in the PDP Annual Summary reports (pdf) for 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013.