Maximum residue levels for thiophanate-methyl
- Food safety
- Pesticide MRLs
- Pesticides
Summary
In September 2024, the European Parliament rejected a Commission Regulation that proposed to reduce the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for thiophanate-methyl to the limit of determination (LOD) on all products except limes and okra. (The LOD is the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods.) See Maximum residue levels for benomyl, carbendazim, thiophanate-methyl, cyproconazole, and spirodiclofen.
The Parliament has requested the Commission to withdraw its draft Regulation and present a new one, setting the MRLs for thiophanate-methyl on all products to the LOD.
Parliament rejects Commission proposal to amend MRLs for thiophanate-methyl
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 benomyl, carbendazim and thiophanate‐methyl in or on certain products
Update
In September 2024, the European Parliament rejected a Commission Regulation that proposed to reduce the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for thiophanate-methyl to the limit of determination (LOD) on all products except limes and okra. (The LOD is the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods.) See Maximum residue levels for benomyl, carbendazim, thiophanate-methyl, cyproconazole, and spirodiclofen.
The Parliament has requested the Commission to withdraw its draft Regulation and present a new one, setting the MRLs for thiophanate-methyl on all products to the LOD.
Impacted Products
Citrus fruits, grapefruits, oranges, lemons, mandarins, limes, tree nuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, chestnuts, coconuts, hazelnuts/ cobnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nut kernels, pistachios, walnuts, pome fruits, apples, pears, quinces, medlars, loquats/ Japanese medlars, stone fruits, apricots, peaches, cherries, plums, tables grapes, wine grapes, strawberries, blackberries, dewberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, currants, gooseberries, rose hips, mulberries, azaroles, elderberries, mangoes, papayas, garlic, onions, shallots, tomatoes, sweet peppers/ bell peppers, aubergines/ eggplants, okra, cucumbers, gherkins, courgettes, sweet corn, melons, watermelons, pumpkin, brassica vegetables, broccoli, cauliflowers, head cabbages, Chinese cabbages, kales, Brussels sprouts, peas, beans, lentils, oilseeds, linseeds, peanuts/ groundnuts, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, rapeseeds/ canola seeds, mustard seeds, cotton seeds, pumpkin seeds, safflower seeds, borage seeds, gold of pleasure seeds, hemp seeds, castor beans, soyabeans, barley, oat, rye, wheat, commodities from swine, bovine, sheep, goat, equine, poultry and other farmed terrestrial mammals, milk (cattle, sheep, goat, horse), bird eggs, honey, amphibians and reptiles, stem vegetables, fungi, mosses and lichens, pulses, oil fruits, teas, coffees, herbal infusions, cocoa, carobs, hops, spices, sugar plants
What is changing?
The European Commission proposed to reduce the MRLs for thiophanate-methyl as summarised in Table 1.
Why?
Thiophanate-methyl is no longer authorised in the EU because the manufacturer withdrew its new application for approval. Therefore MRLs should be set to the LOD, except on certain products that are considered safe.
EFSA (2021) has suggested increasing the MRLs for thiophanate-methyl on limes, aligning with good agricultural practices (GAP) observed in certain non-EU countries. EFSA also recommends establishing a lower MRL deemed safe for thiophanate-methyl on okra/ lady’s fingers, also derived from the GAP in non-EU countries.
Timeline
The European Parliament’s objection prevents the Commission from adopting the proposed draft Regulation, which means that the existing MRLs for thiophanate-methyl continue to apply.
Background
The European Commission informed the World Trade Organization Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (WTO SPS) Committee that it intended to set the MRLs for thiophanate-methyl to the LOD. This could have an impact on suppliers of a wide range of products including fruit, vegetables, pulses, oilseeds, cereals, teas, spices, and sugar. Exceptions were proposed for limes and okra because EFSA considers that amended MRLs based on GAP in non-EU countries are safe (G/SPS/N/EU/696).
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 (2021) Reasoned opinion on the toxicological properties and maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the benzimidazole substances carbendazim and thiophanate‐methyl. EFSA Journal, 19(8): 6773.
Sources
Draft Commission Regulation as regards maximum residue levels for benomyl, carbendazim and thiophanate‐methyl in or on certain products
Tables & Figures
Source: based on PLAN/2022/2853
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.
Parliament rejects Commission proposal to amend MRLs for thiophanate-methyl
Regulation
Draft Regulation as regards maximum residue levels for benomyl, carbendazim and thiophanate‐methyl in or on certain products
What is changing and why?
In September 2024, the European Parliament rejected a Commission Regulation proposing to reduce the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for thiophanate‐methyl to the limit of determination (LOD) on all products except limes and okra. (The LOD is the lowest level that can be detected using the most modern and reliable analytical methods.)
Timeline
The European Parliament’s objection prevents the Commission from adopting the proposed draft Regulation, which means that the existing MRLs for thiophanate‐methyl continue to apply.
Tables & Figures
Source: based on PLAN/2022/2853
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.