Maximum residue level for propamocarb
- Food safety
- Pesticide MRLs
Summary
The European Union (EU) has lowered the maximum residue level (MRL) for propamocarb on lettuces.
EU lowers MRL for propamocarb on lettuces
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/215 of 29 January 2026 amending Annexes II and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for dimoxystrobin, ethephon and propamocarb in or on certain products
Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/1305 of 2 July 2025 amending Annexes II, III and IV to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for amidosulfuron, azoxystrobin, hexythiazox, isoxaben, picloram, propamocarb, sodium silver thiosulfate and tefluthrin in or on certain products
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1439 of 24 May 2024 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 fenazaquin, mepiquat and propamocarb in or on certain products
Update
The European Union (EU) has lowered the maximum residue level (MRL) for propamocarb on lettuces.
Impacted Products
Lettuces, radishes, Roman rocket/rucola, honey and other apiculture products
What is changing?
The EU has lowered the MRL on lettuces from 40 to 30 mg/kg.
In 2025, the EU raised the MRLs for propamocarb on radishes (roots) from 3 to 8 mg/kg, and on Roman rocket/rucola (including small radish leaves) from 30 to 600 mg/kg.
In May 2024, the EU raised the MRL for propamocarb in honey and other apiculture products from 0.05 to 15 mg/kg.
Why?
For the use of propamocarb on lettuce, the European Food Safety Authority has now reviewed an alternative good agricultural practice (GAP) with a lower MRL which is fully supported by data (EFSA in press). This follows EFSA’s (2023) reasoned opinion on the MRLs for propamocarb on honey, which concluded that proposed amendments for honey did not pose a risk to consumer safety, but also observed that the current MRL for propamocarb on lettuce might lead to the acute reference dose (ARfD) being exceeded.
Following a request to modify the MRLs for radish leaves and radishes, EFSA (2024) concluded that the proposed MRLs are safe for consumers. Because small radish leaves are classified under the subgroup of Roman rocket/rucola, the EU has raised the MRLs for Roman rocket/rucola as well as for radish roots and small leaves.
Timeline
The new MRL on lettuce applies from 19 August 2026.
The MRLs on Roman rocket/rucola and radishes applied from 23 July 2025.
Recommended Actions
Suppliers of lettuces should review their use of propamocarb and assess whether any changes will be needed to existing GAPs to ensure compliance with the new MRL.
Background
MRLs are set in accordance with the rules set out in Regulation 396/2005. For information on current MRLs for other substances, please consult the EU Pesticide Residues database.
Resources
EFSA (2023) Modification of the existing maximum residue level for propamocarb in honey. EFSA Journal, 21: e08422.
EFSA (2024) Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for propamocarb in radishes (roots and small leaves). EFSA Journal, 22: e9092.
Sources
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/215 as regards maximum residue levels for dimoxystrobin, ethephon and propamocarb in or on certain products
Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/1305 as regards maximum residue levels for amidosulfuron, azoxystrobin, hexythiazox, isoxaben, picloram, propamocarb, sodium silver thiosulfate and tefluthrin in or on certain products
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1439 as regards maximum residue levels for fenazaquin, mepiquat and propamocarb in or on certain products
Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall COLEAD be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered that is claimed to have resulted from the use of information available on this website or any link to external sites. The use of the website is at the user’s sole risk and responsibility. This information platform was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents do not, however, reflect the views of the European Union.
EU lowers MRL for propamocarb on lettuces
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/215 of 29 January 2026 amending Annexes II and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for dimoxystrobin, ethephon and propamocarb in or on certain products
Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/1305 of 2 July 2025 amending Annexes II, III and IV to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for amidosulfuron, azoxystrobin, hexythiazox, isoxaben, picloram, propamocarb, sodium silver thiosulfate and tefluthrin in or on certain products
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1439 of 24 May 2024 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 fenazaquin, mepiquat and propamocarb in or on certain products
What is changing and why?
The European Union (EU) has lowered the maximum residue level (MRL) for propamocarb on lettuces from 40 to 30 mg/kg, following concerns about the safety of the current MRL.
In 2025, the EU raised the MRLs for propamocarb on radishes (roots) from 3 to 8 mg/kg, and on Roman rocket/rucola (including small radish leaves) from 30 to 600 mg/kg.
In 2024, the EU raised the MRL for propamocarb in honey and other apiculture products from 0.05 to 15 mg/kg.
Actions
Suppliers of lettuces should review their use of propamocarb and assess whether any changes will be needed to existing good agricultural practice (GAP) to ensure compliance with the new MRL.
Timeline
The new MRL on lettuces applies from 19 August 2026.
The MRLs on Roman rocket/rucola and radishes applied from 23 July 2025.
Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall COLEAD be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered that is claimed to have resulted from the use of information available on this website or any link to external sites. The use of the website is at the user’s sole risk and responsibility. This information platform was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents do not, however, reflect the views of the European Union.