FDA Laboratories says it is addressing concerns and potential confusion about a controversial report that discusses pesticide residues found in popular foods in South Africa. In its statement, the laboratory clarifies that its role is limited to laboratory work and does not determine broader regulatory, health, or enforcement conclusions on its own. It stresses that laboratory results must be interpreted accurately and in context, noting that raw findings can be misunderstood without considering sampling methods, test conditions, and how results relate to established standards. The laboratory argues that misinterpretation can lead to unnecessary consumer alarm, even when residue levels and their implications may require further analysis or confirmation. It also emphasises the importance of distinguishing between laboratory detection of residues and conclusions about risk, which typically depend on additional regulatory and scientific assessments. The clarification is presented as a corrective response to public concerns following the circulation of the report, aiming to ensure that audiences understand what the laboratory data can and cannot establish on their own.