Maximum residue levels for phosphonic acid
- Food safety
- Pesticide MRLs
Summary
The European Union (EU) proposes to increase the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for potassium phosphonates (expressed as phosphonic acid) on cherries.
EU proposes to increase MRL for potassium phosphonates on cherries
Draft Commission Regulation amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for acetamiprid, aclonifen, deltamethrin, oxathiapiprolin and potassium phosphonates in or on certain products
Draft Annex II
Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/581 of 27 March 2025 amending Annexes II and IV to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for cycloxydim, dichlorprop-P, flupyradifurone, methyl nonyl ketone, plant oils/citronella oil, potassium sorbate and potassium phosphonate in or on certain products
Update
The European Union (EU) proposes to increase the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for potassium phosphonates (expressed as phosphonic acid) on cherries.
Impacted Products
Cherries, lamb’s lettuces/corn salads, escaroles/broad-leaved endives, cresses and other sprouts/shoots, land cresses, Roman rocket, red mustards, baby leaf crops, purslanes, chards/beet leaves, watercresses, globe artichokes, poppy seeds, barley, oats, rye
What is changing?
The EU proposes to increase the MRLs for phosphonic acid on cherries from 8 to 80 mg/kg.
In June 2025, the EU increased the MRLs for this substance on certain salads and cereals, globe artichokes, and poppy seeds as summarised in Table 1.
Why?
Following requests in relation to use of potassium phosphonates (a salt included in the definition of phosphonic acid), the MRLs for phosphonic acid have been updated based on new data evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA 2024; EFSA 2025), which confirmed that the proposed levels are appropriate.
Timeline
The new MRL for cherries is expected to apply from February 2026.
The MRLs on certain salads and cereals, globe artichokes, and poppy seeds have applied since 17 April 2025.
Background
In 2024, the EU changed its residue definition for fosetyl-Al, potassium phosphonates, and disodium phosphonates to “phosphonic acid and its salts” (see Maximum residue levels for fosetyl-Al/phosphonic acid).
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
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2619 as regards maximum residue levels for fosetyl, potassium phosphonates and disodium phosphonate in or on certain products
EFSA (2024) Modification of the existing maximum residue levels in various plant commodities resulting from the use of potassium phosphonates. EFSA Journal, 22(6): e8842.
EFSA (2025) Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for potassium phosphonates in apricots and cherries. EFSA Journal, 23(2): e9232.
Sources
Draft Commission Regulation as regards maximum residue levels for acetamiprid, aclonifen, deltamethrin, oxathiapiprolin and potassium phosphonates in or on certain products
Draft Annex II
Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/581 as regards maximum residue levels for cycloxydim, dichlorprop-P, flupyradifurone, methyl nonyl ketone, plant oils/citronella oil, potassium sorbate and potassium phosphonate in or on certain products
Tables & Figures
Source: based on Regulation 2025/581
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EU proposes to increase MRL for potassium phosphonates on cherries
Draft Commission Regulation as regards maximum residue levels for acetamiprid, aclonifen, deltamethrin, oxathiapiprolin and potassium phosphonates in or on certain products
Draft Annex II
Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/581 as regards maximum residue levels for cycloxydim, dichlorprop-P, flupyradifurone, methyl nonyl ketone, plant oils/citronella oil, potassium sorbate and potassium phosphonate in or on certain products
What is changing and why?
The European Union (EU) proposes to increase the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for phosphonic acid on cherries from 8 to 80 mg/kg. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed that the proposed level is safe for consumers.
In June 2025, the EU increased the MRLs for phosphonic acid on certain certain salads and cereals, globe artichokes, and poppy seeds as summarised in Table 1. Those MRLs were updated based on new data evaluated by EFSA, which confirmed that the proposed levels are appropriate.
Timeline
The new MRL for cherries is expected to apply from February 2026.
The MRLs on certain salads and cereals, globe artichokes, and poppy seeds have applied since 17 April 2025.
Tables & Figures
Source: based on Regulation 2025/581
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.