{"id":4734,"date":"2025-07-16T14:11:40","date_gmt":"2025-07-16T12:11:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/splaboratorija.rs\/?p=4734"},"modified":"2025-07-16T14:11:42","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T12:11:42","slug":"pesticide-residues-in-food-changes-on-the-horizon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/splaboratorija.rs\/en\/2025\/07\/16\/pesticide-residues-in-food-changes-on-the-horizon\/","title":{"rendered":"PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN FOOD – CHANGES ON THE HORIZON"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the European Union, <\/strong>Regulation (EC) No 396\/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin<\/strong>, updated through subsequent amendments, lays down the legally acceptable limits for pesticide residues in food and feed derived from both plant and animal origin. This regulation is designed to uphold high standards of consumer safety by setting maximum allowable concentrations of pesticides in consumable products. It also provides the legal framework for residue monitoring, evaluation of new active substances, and periodic updates to established limits (MRLs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) refer to the highest concentration of pesticide residues legally permitted in or on food and animal feed. These limits are determined through supervised agricultural trials with applied pesticides in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s crucial to recognize that MRLs are not safety thresholds in a toxicological sense\u2014they are commercial standards that facilitate market control. The presence of pesticide levels above the MRL does not automatically indicate a health risk but rather a breach of agricultural or regulatory compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within the EU, MRLs are set by the European Commission based on comprehensive scientific assessments conducted in collaboration with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and individual member states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How MRLs are established and why they change?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The determination of MRLs is rooted in several key sources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– toxicological evaluations by EFSA<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– scientific reviews conducted during the reauthorization of active ingredients in plant protection products<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reasons for changes to MRLs:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • regular reapprovals: active substances are reassessed approximately every 10 years, which often involves the re-evaluation of toxicological benchmarks like ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) and ARfD (Acute Reference Dose), leading to MRL revisions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • new substances: when new active ingredients are introduced, MRLs are established based on data provided by the producer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • producer requests: companies can request new or updated MRLs to align with changes in farming methods or new scientific findings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • import tolerances: MRLs are also set to accommodate imports from outside the EU with maintenance of consumers health<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • EFSA and member state reviews: ongoing scientific assessments and requests from national authorities can prompt updates<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Codex Alimentarius alignment:<\/strong> The EU may adopt Codex Maximum Residue Limits (CXLs) if safety is confirmed, supporting harmonization with international standards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    In summary, the system is dynamic \u2013 MRLs are regularly updated to reflect current agricultural practices, emerging science, international trade needs, and renewed risk assessments – ensuring that the limits remain both relevant and protective of public health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Changes in MRLs in the recent past<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    FLUXAPYROXAD, LAMBDA-CYHALOTHRIN, METALAXYL AND NICOTINE<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Commission Regulation (EU) 2025\/115 of 21 January 2025 has been in force since of February 11, amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 396\/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fluxapyroxad<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Fluxapyroxad is an active substance used to effectively manage a wide range of fungal diseases in cereal crops and various other food plants, including beets, apples, pears, cherries, peaches, apricots, cucumbers, zucchinis, tomatoes, lettuce, strawberries, and brassica vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Recent updates to the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for fluxapyroxad include a higher permitted limit for Kaki (Persimmon japonica), derived from residue data extrapolated from apple studies, as well as an increased MRL for cultivated fungi, such as mushrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Product<\/strong><\/td>Previous MRL (mg\/kg)<\/strong><\/td>Applicable MRL (mg\/kg)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Kaki\/<\/strong> Persimmon japonica<\/strong><\/td>0,01<\/td>0,2<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Cultivatedfungi<\/strong><\/td>0,01<\/td>0,3<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Lambda-cyhalothrin<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Lambda-cyhalothrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide commonly used against pests in agriculture, forestry, veterinary medicine and public health, targeting insects such as thrips, potato beetles, caterpillars, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, flies, and cockroaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    By Regulation (EU) No 2025\/115, the MRL for avocados was increased in response to an import tolerance request related to lambda-cyhalothrin use in Mexico. Additionally, for poultry products\u2014including meat, fat, liver, kidneys, edible offal, and eggs\u2014residue levels were found to exceed the temporary MRLs set in 2018 due to the use of approved biocidal products. As a result, EFSA has proposed new, higher MRLs, confirming that these levels do not pose a risk to consumer health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Product<\/strong><\/td>Previous MRL (mg\/kg)<\/strong><\/td>Applicable MRL (mg\/kg)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Avocados<\/strong><\/td>0,01<\/td>0,15<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Poultry products (muscle, fat, edible offal)<\/strong><\/td>0,01<\/td>0,03<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Birds eggs<\/strong><\/td>0,01<\/td>0,02<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Metalaxyl<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The MRL updates in February also covered metalaxyl residues in pineapples and dried ginseng roots. These changes were based on Codex Alimentarius (CXL) standards and supported by a favorable EFSA assessment, which confirmed that the revised levels pose no risk to consumer health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Product<\/strong><\/td>Previous MRL (mg\/kg)<\/strong><\/td>Applicable MRL (mg\/kg)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Pineapples<\/strong><\/td>0,01<\/td>0,1<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Ginseng (dried root)<\/strong><\/td>0,05<\/td>0,06<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Nicotine<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    As of February 11 this year, the European Union has established a new maximum residue level (MRL) for nicotine in coffee beans, setting it at 0.05 mg\/kg. This limit accounts for possible nicotine residues from sources other than pesticide use. Previously, coffee beans did not have a specific MRL in the EU regulations and were subject to a general default value of 0.01 mg\/kg. The introduction of this clearly defined limit is particularly significant for both producers and importers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cycloxydim, dichlorprop-P, flupiradifuron, phosphonic acid and its salts<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Amendments introduced by Commission Regulation (EU) 2025\/581 of March 27, 2025, have come into force on April 17. These changes update Annexes II and IV of Regulation (EC) No 396\/2005, setting new maximum residue levels (MRLs) for several substances\u2014cycloxydim, dichlorprop-P, flupyradifuron, methyl nonyl ketone, various plant oils (including citronella oil), potassium sorbate, and potassium phosphonate\u2014in or on specific products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cycloxydim<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Cycloxydim is a selective herbicide belonging to the cyclohexanone group, primarily used to manage grass weeds in broadleaf crops such as beets, soybeans, peas, beans, potatoes, fruit trees, and ornamental plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As of April 17, updated maximum residue levels (MRLs) for cycloxydim in certain agricultural products have come into effect. These revisions follow an application by the German company BASF SE and a favorable assessment by EFSA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The maximum residue level was increased for pome fruits, including apples, pears, quinces, medlars, and Japanese medlars. Additionally, there was a notable rise in the limit for peas with pods. The MRLs for maize and sugar beet root were also raised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Product<\/strong><\/td>Previous MRL (mg\/kg)<\/strong><\/td>Applicable MRL (mg\/kg)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Pome fruits (apples, pears, quinces, medlars and loquats\/Japanese medlars)<\/strong><\/td>0,09<\/td>0,4<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Peas (with pods)<\/strong><\/td>2<\/td>9<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Maize\/corn<\/strong><\/td>0,2<\/td>0,3<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Sugar beet roots<\/strong><\/td>0,2<\/td>0,3<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Dichlorprop-P<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Dichlorprop is used to manage both annual and perennial broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions and field thistles, and is especially effective in cereal crops like wheat, barley, rye, and oats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The update on April 17 to the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for dichlorprop-P in cereals followed a request from Nufarm Crop Products UK Ltd. The company asked the Italian authorities to increase the MRLs for barley, oats, rye, and wheat grains from 0.1 mg\/kg to 0.15 mg\/kg. This adjustment aims to better align residue limits with actual agricultural use, particularly the application of dichlorprop-P as a plant growth regulator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Following a risk assessment, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that consuming dichlorprop-P residues at the higher levels poses no short- or long-term health risk to consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Product<\/strong><\/td>Previous MRL (mg\/kg)<\/strong><\/td>Applicable MRL (mg\/kg)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Cereals (only: oats, barley, rye, wheat)<\/strong><\/td>0,1<\/td>0,2<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Flupiradifuron<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    On April 17, updated maximum residue levels (MRLs) for flupyradifurone in certain products came into force. These changes were prompted by two applications requesting new MRLs, including import tolerances. The submitted data demonstrated that use of flupyradifurone in countries such as Australia, Brazil, and the United States leads to residue levels exceeding the existing EU limits under Regulation (EC) No 396\/2005. To avoid trade disruptions, higher MRLs were proposed and adopted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Key updates include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    – new import tolerances for: \u201eother\u201d citrus fruits, stone fruits, mangoes, papayas, sesame seeds, millet, oats, and rye;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    – adoption of Codex (CXL) values for flupyradifurone: 0.3 mg\/kg in pineapples and 0.8 mg\/kg in sunflower seeds;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    – increased MRLs for: \u201eother\u201d small fruits and berries (excluding blueberries), leafy brassica vegetables (excluding kale), edible herbs and flowers, most swine products (excluding muscle), and honey;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    – lowered MRL for kale: from 5 mg\/kg to 4 mg\/kg<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fosetyl and phosphonic acid and its salts<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    As of April 17, 2025, the EU has adopted a new residue definition for fosetyl-Al. The previous definition – the sum of fosetyl, phosphonic acid, and their salts (expressed as fosetyl) – has been replaced with phosphonic acid and its salts, expressed as phosphonic acid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This revision is based on two European Commission regulations: Regulation (EU) 2024\/2619 of October 8, 2024, and Regulation (EU) 2025\/581 of March 27, 2025. These regulations update both the residue definitions and the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for fosetyl-Al, potassium phosphonates, and disodium phosphonates in selected food products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The new definition aims to more accurately reflect actual residue levels in food and to improve monitoring. By focusing solely on phosphonic acid and its salts, it eliminates the previous reference to fosetyl itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Phosphonic acid residues may originate not only from pesticide use (e.g., fosetyl-Al) but also from other sources like fertilizers, plant growth stimulants, and soil additives that contain potassium or disodium phosphonates. As a result, the MRLs were revised to account for these multiple sources. Based on current scientific evidence and risk assessments, EFSA recommended adjusting the residue limits – raising them for some products and lowering them for others, depending on the level of risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Napropamide, pyridaben and tebufenpyrad<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    As of April 28, Commission Regulation (EU) 2024\/2609 of 7 October 2024 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 396\/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council updating the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for napropamide, pyridaben, and tebufenpyrad<\/strong> in or on certain products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Napropamide<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Napropamide is a selective, soil-applied herbicide from the amide chemical group, primarily used to control annual broadleaf weeds and certain grass species in agricultural, vegetable, and orchard crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The changes to its maximum residue levels (MRLs), which took effect on April 28, followed a review conducted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). During this assessment, EFSA identified data gaps that were necessary for determining safe residue levels in specific products. Although the applicant later submitted additional data, EFSA concluded that the information remained insufficient for some commodities. As a result, it recommended lowering the MRLs for those products to the limit of quantification (LOQ) – the lowest residue level that can be reliably detected using current analytical methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The affected products are listed in the table below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Product<\/strong><\/td>Previous MRL (mg\/kg)<\/strong><\/td>Applicable MRL (mg\/kg)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    \u201cOther\u201d small fruits and berries (blueberries, cranberries, currants, gooseberries, rose hips, elderberries)<\/strong><\/td>0,02<\/td>0,01<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Herbs and edible flowers (chives, celery leaves, parsley leaves, sage, rosemary, thyme, basil, bay leaves, tarragon)<\/strong><\/td>0,05<\/td>0,02<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Pyridaben<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Pyridaben is a plant protection agent classified as both an acaricide and insecticide, commonly used in agriculture and horticulture to manage pests\u2014particularly mites (e.g., spider mites) and certain sucking insects like aphids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At the end of April, updated maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pyridaben in specific food products came into effect. The MRLs were lowered for pome fruits, apricots, peaches, and beans with pods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Additionally, for products from animal origin (including muscle, fat, and edible offal), the limit of quantification (LOQ) was reduced from 0.05 mg\/kg to 0.01 mg\/kg, reflecting advancements in analytical technology that now allow for the detection of lower residue levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Product<\/strong><\/td>Previous MRL (mg\/kg)<\/strong><\/td>Applicable MRL (mg\/kg)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Pome fruits (apples, pears, quince, medlars, loquats and others)<\/strong><\/td>0,9<\/td>0,15<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Apricots, peaches<\/strong><\/td>0,3<\/td>0,01<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Beans (with pods)<\/strong><\/td>0,2<\/td>0,01<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Products of animal origin (muscle, fat, edible offal)<\/strong><\/td>0,05<\/td>0,01<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Tebufenpyrad<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Tebufenpyrad is an insecticide and acaricide primarily used in greenhouse and orchard crops to monitor spider mites and other mite species. It is applied to a variety of crops, including citrus fruits, stone fruits, grapevines, vegetables, and soybeans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As of April 28, MRLs for tebufenpyrad have been reduced in five food products. These changes are based on EFSA\u2019s review, and relates to missing data for certain uses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Specifically, MRLs were lowered for apricots, peaches, and table grapes. For beans with pods and hops, however, the lack of complete residue studies enable a proper risk assessment. As a result, the MRLs for these products were set at the limit of quantification (LOQ).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Product<\/strong><\/td>Previous MRL (mg\/kg)<\/strong><\/td>Applicable MRL (mg\/kg)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Apricots, peaches<\/strong><\/td>0,4<\/td>0,3<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Table grapes<\/strong><\/td>0,6<\/td>0,4<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Beans (with pods)<\/strong><\/td>0,3<\/td>0,01<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Hops<\/strong><\/td>1,5<\/td>0,05<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The second part of the article will be published soon!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you have any questions or concerns, <\/strong>customer support department<\/a> is at your service.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    In the European Union, Regulation (EC) No 396\/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin, updated through subsequent amendments, lays down the legally acceptable limits for pesticide residues in food and feed derived […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4734","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-vesti-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/splaboratorija.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4734","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/splaboratorija.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/splaboratorija.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/splaboratorija.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/splaboratorija.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4734"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/splaboratorija.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4734\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4735,"href":"https:\/\/splaboratorija.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4734\/revisions\/4735"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/splaboratorija.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4734"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/splaboratorija.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4734"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/splaboratorija.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4734"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}