EU introduces new maximum residue levels for pesticides and low-risk substances

By Dr Steven Brennan

The European Commission enacted Regulation (EU) 2024/2612, which revises maximum residue levels (MRLs) for several substances, including pesticides like clopyralid, difenoconazole, and flonicamid, as well as low-risk substances such as chitosan and hydrolysed proteins. This update aims to enhance food safety standards across the EU by amending Annexes II, III, and IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

Key Amendments to Maximum Residue Levels

The new regulation updates the MRLs for a variety of substances found in food and feed products:

• Clopyralid: MRLs were adjusted for honey and other apiculture products following an EFSA review that confirmed safety based on exposure assessments.

  
  

• Difenoconazole: Modifications apply to wheat and rye, with the MRL set at 0.1 mg/kg. EFSA recommended this change after reviewing the potential chronic exposure to consumers and concluding it posed minimal risk.

  
  

• Flonicamid: Revised MRLs cover a range of vegetables including potatoes, beans, lettuces, and other salad plants. The updates ensure that exposure remains within safe limits based on recent scientific assessments.

Low-Risk Substances Added to Annex IV

Several low-risk substances, including chitosan, fat distillation residues, hydrolysed proteins, and lavandulyl senecioate, have been added to Annex IV. This means these substances no longer require specific MRLs due to their minimal risk of leaving harmful residues in food or feed products. These changes reflect the EU’s commitment to balancing the need for effective pest control with consumer safety.

EFSA Risk Assessments and Consumer Safety

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) played a critical role in assessing the safety of the proposed MRL modifications. Evaluations considered the potential exposure of 27 European consumer groups, ensuring that the changes would not exceed the acceptable daily intake (ADI) or acute reference dose (ARfD). The data confirmed that all new MRLs are well within safe consumption levels.

• Wheat and Rye MRL for Difenoconazole: While more research is required to confirm the specific metabolism of difenoconazole isomers, EFSA found no immediate safety concerns for consumers, allowing the updated MRL to be set.

  
  

• Honey MRL for Clopyralid: The new limits ensure that the residue levels in honey and similar products do not pose a risk to consumer health.

Broader Implications for the Agriculture and Food Sectors

These MRL adjustments are significant for agricultural producers, especially those involved in growing wheat, rye, potatoes, and other crops affected by the new residue limits. Food producers will need to comply with the updated regulations to ensure their products remain within safe residue levels, ensuring continued access to the European market.

Furthermore, the inclusion of low-risk substances in Annex IV removes unnecessary regulatory burdens, promoting their use in sustainable agriculture while maintaining high food safety standards.

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