Résumé
The purpose of this paper is to analyze some drivers of the regulations of Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of pesticides. Many authors underline the role of trade protection in fixing these limits whereas these regulations are intended to protect public health. We first establish the link between the MRL for a given chemical in fruits and vegetables and its level of toxicity. In order to perform this analysis we cross two databases: the FAS USDA MRL database and the Quebec Pesticide Risk Indicator (IRPeQ) database which computes a Toxicological Risk Index (IRT) for the active substances authorized on the Canadian territory. We then compute a Health Score which provides a first overview of the link between IRT and MRL by country. Then this score is regressed in a logit model in order to determine if public health protection explains the formation of MRL of pesticides in fruits and vegetables.