Maximum residue levels for fipronil
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EU approves import tolerance MRLs for fipronil on sugarcane and animal products
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/347 of 22 January 2024 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 fipronil in or on certain products
Update
The EU has increased the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for fipronil on sugarcane, and on bovine, sheep, and goat fat.
Impacted Products
Sugarcane, and bovine, sheep, and goat fat
What is changing?
The EU has raised the MRLs for fipronil on certain products as summarised in Table 1.
Why?
The EU received an application for import tolerances in relation to fipronil used on sugarcane and potatoes in Brazil, the USA, and Ukraine. As sugarcane and potatoes can be fed to animals, a change to the MRLs in animal fats was also requested. EFSA (2023) concluded that the data submitted in support of the application were insufficient to set a new MRL for potatoes. However, EFSA concluded that the proposed changes regarding sugarcane and animal fats were acceptable in relation to consumer safety.
Timeline
The new MRLs will apply from 12 February 2024.
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.
The European Commission’s proposal to introduce import tolerances resulted in considerable criticism from European stakeholders relating to concerns about public health and the risk to bees. This led to a proposed Resolution in the European Parliament requesting the Commission to withdraw the proposal; however, the Resolution was not adopted.
Resources
EFSA (2023) Setting of import tolerances for fipronil in potatoes, sugar canes and commodities of animal origin. EFSA Journal, 21(4): 7931.
Sources
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/347 as regards maximum residue levels for fipronil in or on certain products
Tables & Figures
Source: Regulation (EU) 2024/347