Maximum residue levels for dicofol
- Food safety
- Pesticide MRLs
Summary
The European Union (EU) is discussing reducing the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for dicofol on certain products to the limit of determination (LOD: the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods). There will be particular impacts on melons, cotton seeds, teas, hops, and poultry products; a reduction in current LODs on some other products is also proposed.
EU discusses reduction of dicofol MRLs, with particular impacts on melons, cotton seeds, teas, hops, and poultry products
Draft Commission Regulation amending Annexes II, III and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for azocyclotin, chlorfenapyr, cyhexatin, diazinon, dicofol, endosulfan, fenarimol, fenpropathrin and profenofos in or on certain products
Draft Annex
Update
The European Union (EU) is discussing reducing the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for dicofol on certain products to the limit of determination (LOD: the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods). There will be particular impacts on melons, cotton seeds, teas, hops, and poultry products; a reduction in current LODs on some other products is also proposed.
Impacted Products
Almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, chestnuts, coconuts, hazelnuts/cobnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nut kernels, pistachios, walnuts, garlic, onions, shallots, spring onions/green onions, Welsh onions, melons, linseeds, peanuts/groundnuts, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, rapeseed/canola seeds, soybeans, mustard seeds, pumpkin seeds, safflower seeds, borage seeds, gold of pleasure seeds, hemp seeds, castor beans, cotton seeds, olives for oil production, oil palm kernels, oil palm fruits, kapok, teas, cocoa beans, hops, muscle, liver, kidney, edible offals (poultry), milk (cattle, sheep, goat, horse), bird eggs (chicken, duck, geese, quail), honey and other apiculture products
What is changing?
The EU is discussing the reduction of MRLs for dicofol as summarised in Table 1.
Why?
The MRLs for dicofol that have been in place since the adoption of Regulation 396/2005 have never been reviewed. Following a series of evaluations and a stakeholder consultation (see EFSA invites submission of data to support review of certain MRLs), the European Food Safety Authority has concluded that there is not sufficient toxicological data for melons, cotton seeds, teas, hops, and poultry products to allow a complete exposure assessment (EFSA 2023).
Timeline
This Regulation is still under discussion. It is expected to be adopted in 2026, with new MRLs applying from late 2026 or early 2027.
Recommended Actions
Suppliers to the EU market of melons, cotton seeds, teas, hops, and poultry products should review their existing use of dicofol and start to seek alternative (chemical or non-chemical) solutions in anticipation of the MRL reductions.
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.
For further information on the EU’s process and principles for setting MRLs, see Regulation of pesticide residues in the EU - Questions and Answers.
Resources
EFSA (2023) Targeted review of maximum residue levels (MRLs) for dicofol. EFSA Journal, 21: e8425.
Sources
Draft Commission Regulation as regards maximum residue levels for azocyclotin, chlorfenapyr, cyhexatin, diazinon, dicofol, endosulfan, fenarimol, fenpropathrin and profenofos in or on certain products
Draft Annex
Tables & Figures
Source: based on PLAN/2025/1425 Rev0
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EU discusses reduction of dicofol MRLs, with particular impacts on melons, cotton seeds, teas, hops, and poultry products
Draft Commission Regulation as regards maximum residue levels for azocyclotin, chlorfenapyr, cyhexatin, diazinon, dicofol, endosulfan, fenarimol, fenpropathrin and profenofos in or on certain products
Draft Annex
What is changing and why?
The European Union (EU) is discussing the reduction of dicofol maximum residue levels (MRLs) on several products, with the most significant impacts on melons, cotton seeds, teas, hops, and poultry products (see Table 1). This is because the European Food Safety Authority was unable to complete a risk assessment of this pesticide due to a lack of relevant data. Dicofol has never been approved for use within the EU.
Actions
Suppliers to the EU market of melons, cotton seeds, teas, hops, and poultry products should review their existing use of dicofol and start to identify alternative pesticides.
Timeline
This Regulation is still under discussion. It is expected to be adopted in 2026, with new MRLs applying from late 2026 or early 2027.
Tables & Figures
Source: based on PLAN/2025/1425 Rev0
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.