Maximum residue levels for benfluralin
- Food safety
- Pesticide MRLs
Summary
The European Commission has informed the World Trade Organization Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (WTO SPS) Committee (G/SPS/N/EU/843) that it intends to lower the maximum residue level (MRL) for salsifies to the limit of determination (LOD): from 0.05 to 0.01mg/kg. (The LOD is the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods.) For all other foods, the MRL is already set at the LOD, but these LODs will also be lowered to reflect the latest available analytical methods.
EU proposes to lower MRLs for benfluralin, with potential impact on salsifies
Draft Commission Regulation 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 benfluralin, benthiavalicarb and penflufen in or on certain products
Draft Annex (PLAN-2024-1306 rev3)
Update
The European Commission has informed the World Trade Organization Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (WTO SPS) Committee (G/SPS/N/EU/843) that it intends to lower the maximum residue level (MRL) for salsifies to the limit of determination (LOD): from 0.05 to 0.01mg/kg. (The LOD is the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods.) For all other foods, the MRL is already set at the LOD, but these LODs will also be lowered to reflect the latest available analytical methods.
Impacted Products
All products
What is changing?
The EU proposes to set the MRLs for benfluralin to the LOD for all products.
For salsifies, the proposal is to reduce the MRL from 0.05 mg/kg to the LOD of 0.01mg/kg.
For all other foods, MRLs are today already set at the LOD, but the Commission proposes to lower the LODs for benfluralin as follows:
- fruits and vegetables, oilseeds, oil fruits, cereals, sugar and animal products: from 0.02 to 0.01 mg/kg
- herbs and edible flowers: from 0.05 to 0.02 mg/kg
- teas, coffee, herbal infusions, cocoa and carobs, hops and spices: from 0.1 to 0.05 mg/kg
The MRL for honey remains unchanged at the LOD of 0.05 mg/kg.
Why?
As benfluralin is no longer approved for use in the EU, the EU proposes to set all MRLs at the product-specific LODs. The LODs are the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods and are updated by the European Commission to reflect the latest analytical methods on the advice of the EU reference laboratory for pesticide residues.
Timeline
The new MRLs will apply from approximately May 2026 – the precise date will be known once the Regulation is published.
What are the major implications for exporting countries?
Exporters of salsifies should review their current use of benfluralin and evaluate possible alternative solutions.
Recommended Actions
Competent authorities of non-EU countries that are WTO members may comment on the EU proposal by emailing the EU SPS Enquiry Point until 24 May 2025 (G/SPS/N/EU/843).
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.
Sources
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EU proposes to lower MRLs for benfluralin, with potential impact on salsifies
Draft Commission Regulation as regards maximum residue levels for benfluralin, benthiavalicarb and penflufen in or on certain products
Draft Annex
What is changing and why?
The active substance benfluralin is no longer approved in the European Union (EU) (see Benfluralin: Non-renewal of EU approval). The EU now proposes to lower the maximum residue level (MRL) for salsifies to the limit of determination (LOD): from 0.05 to 0.01mg/kg. (The LOD is the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods.) For all other foods, the MRL is already set at the LOD, but these LODs will also be lowered to reflect the development of more sensitive analytical methods.
Actions
Competent authorities of non-EU countries that are members of the World Trade Organization may comment on the EU proposal by emailing the EU SPS Enquiry Point until 24 May 2025 (G/SPS/N/EU/843).
Timeline
The new MRLs will apply from approximately May 2026 – the precise date will be known once the Regulation is published.
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.