What is the main risk of not following preharvest intervals?

The main risk of not following preharvest intervals is the potential for illegal pesticide residues. Preharvest intervals are established to ensure that pesticides applied to crops have sufficient time to break down before harvesting. If these intervals are not adhered to, it can result in higher levels of pesticide residues on the harvested produce, which may exceed regulatory limits and pose risks to consumer health. This can not only lead to health consequences for consumers but also to legal repercussions for producers, such as fines or product recalls, damaging their reputation and financial stability. Thus, maintaining compliance with preharvest intervals is crucial for food safety and regulatory adherence.