The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new rule establishing tolerance levels for residues of glufosinate-P, a commonly used herbicide, on various food commodities in the United States. Effective from October 29, 2024, this regulation aims to ensure that pesticide residues in food remain within safe limits, protecting public health, particularly infants and children. The rule is part of the EPA’s commitment to enforcing rigorous food safety standards under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
Glufosinate Residue Tolerances Set on Key Commodities
In response to petitions from BASF Corporation and MITSUI Chemicals Crop & Life Solutions, the EPA is setting specific tolerance limits on food products likely to contain residues of glufosinate-P. The regulated food categories include crops essential to the American diet such as corn, soybeans, and cotton, as well as various livestock products and byproducts.
Under the new rule, residue limits on foods include:
- Corn, field, grain: 0.20 parts per million (ppm)
- Soybean: 2.0 ppm
- Milk: 0.15 ppm
- Poultry, fat and meat: 0.15 ppm
- Cattle, meat byproducts: 6.0 ppm
The EPA stated that these limits would be enforced by measuring residues of glufosinate and its metabolites, which include various amino acids and acid compounds formed after the pesticide's application.
Assessment of Health Impacts
The EPA’s regulation reflects a comprehensive health risk assessment that takes into account glufosinate's potential impacts on major organs and neurotoxicity, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations. Neurotoxic effects, such as motor activity changes, and potential impacts on the thyroid, kidney, and adrenal glands, were carefully evaluated. The EPA concluded that exposure levels from the specified tolerances would not pose a cancer risk or other significant health threats to humans, including children.
Aligning with International Standards
Although the Codex Alimentarius Commission has not established maximum residue levels (MRLs) for glufosinate-P, the EPA aims to harmonise its standards with international guidelines whenever possible. The Agency noted that all tolerance levels align with current health and environmental standards.
Compliance and Enforcement
To ensure compliance, the EPA’s Analytical Chemistry Branch validated two specific testing methods for glufosinate residues across a variety of foods, including corn, soybeans, and animal byproducts. Additionally, the new rule clarifies that all approved tolerance levels will be reviewed within five years to confirm that residue levels remain within safe limits.
Supporting Environmental Justice and Public Health
The EPA responded to public comments questioning the safety of glufosinate, particularly on staple crops like corn and soybeans. In its final rule, the Agency reinforced its commitment to health equity, noting that the safety standards include additional protections for infants and children in line with the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). These guidelines mandate stricter safety margins for substances to which children may be especially susceptible.
The EPA's new regulation on glufosinate-P residue tolerances marks a significant step towards strengthening food safety and public health protections. By setting stringent limits and ensuring regular monitoring, the Agency is working to protect consumers from potential pesticide risks while balancing the needs of agricultural producers. This rule reflects the EPA’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the food supply and protecting public health, with an emphasis on vulnerable populations and environmental justice.
