Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs)
Regulatory limits on the highest concentration of a pesticide or veterinary drug residue that is legally tolerated in or on food or feed, ensuring consumer safety and facilitating international trade.
Foresight tracks Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) developments and surfaces the alerts most likely to matter before they turn into missed deadlines, recalls, or escalation work.
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Last updated
10 April 2026, 15:51
Latest Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) alerts
The most recent regulatory and guidance signals tracked by Foresight
EFSA Opens Public Consultation on Mandipropamid MRLs in Onion, Garlic and Shallots
EFSA has launched a short public consultation (8–29 April 2026) on an application to set new EU maximum residue levels for the fungicide mandipropamid in onion, garlic and shallots. Companies placing these crops or mandipropamid products on the EU market should review the dossier and consider submitting scientific data or comments now, as this assessment will inform future residue limits and market-access conditions.
EFSA Intake: Acetamiprid MRL Application for Capsicum annuum (Bell Pepper)
EFSA has opened an intake dossier to evaluate a potential change to EU maximum residue levels for the insecticide acetamiprid in Capsicum annuum (bell pepper), following an application received on 07 April 2026.[^1^](https://open.efsa.europa.eu/questions/EFSA-Q-2026-00202#:~:text=EFSA%2DQ%2D2026%2D00202%20%7C%20Status%3A%20Intake) For companies using acetamiprid on bell peppers in the EU, this is an **early warning** that MRL requirements may change once EFSA completes its assessment and any subsequent Commission measure is adopted.
EFSA Registers Flupyradifurone MRL Application for Strawberries, Kaki, Tomatoes and Other Crops
EFSA has registered and validated application EFSA‑Q‑2025‑00704 under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 concerning flupyradifurone MRLs in strawberries, kaki, tomatoes, globe artichokes and designated IT crops (cane fruits, tea and hops) in the EU. This early "Intake" step signals an upcoming EU review of residue limits for flupyradifurone in these supply chains, so agrochemical and food businesses using or sourcing these crops should monitor subsequent EFSA opinions and MRL amendments that could affect market access and compliance planning.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/765 on Sampling and Analysis Methods for Official Control of Pesticide Residues in Food and Feed
The EU has adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/765, harmonizing sampling and analysis methods for pesticide residues in food and feed effective January 1, 2027. Companies must align internal quality control and laboratory testing with these new legally binding standards, including specific measurement uncertainty rules, to ensure compliance with Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) during official enforcement.
US EPA Finalises Tolerance Exemption for Citrus Tristeza Virus T36 Spinach Defensin Proteins in Citrus
The US EPA has established a permanent tolerance exemption for residues of Citrus tristeza virus strain T36 expressing spinach defensin proteins in citrus commodities, effective April 2026. This removal of numerical residue limits facilitates the use of plant-incorporated protectants against citrus greening disease, streamlining compliance for growers and food processors using biotech-enhanced citrus.
Greece Ministry Of Rural Development Reports Pesticide Residue Exceedances In Plant-Based Foods — February 2026
Greece's February 2026 pesticide residue monitoring report identifies multiple MRL exceedances in imported and domestic produce, leading to border rejections and market enforcement. Continued detection of banned substances like chlorpyrifos underscores the need for rigorous supply chain auditing and supplier compliance verification for high-risk origins.
EU Adopts Implementing Regulation 2026/765 on Sampling and Analysis Methods for Pesticide Residues in Food and Feed
The EU has adopted Implementing Regulation 2026/765, harmonizing pesticide residue sampling and analysis methods for food and feed from January 1, 2027. Companies should align internal laboratory protocols and quality control with these new binding standards to mitigate the risk of non-compliance during official enforcement actions.
EU: Commission Adopts 2027–2029 Pesticide Residue Control Programme (Regulation (EU) 2026/748)
The EU has adopted the 2027–2029 multiannual control programme for pesticide residues, mandating harmonized sampling and reporting across Member States starting January 2027. Food producers and importers should anticipate intensified monitoring of specific pesticide-commodity combinations, as these results directly inform future MRL adjustments and enforcement priorities.
EU Council Presidency Tables Compromise Amendments to Food and Feed Safety Regulations
The EU Council is progressing a comprehensive "omnibus" reform to simplify and strengthen food and feed safety requirements across ten major regulatory frameworks. This initiative signals a move toward more integrated enforcement and streamlined compliance procedures for pesticides, biocides, and food hygiene across the European supply chain.
EFSA Registers Intake of Trifloxystrobin MRL Application for Citrus Fruits
EFSA has initiated a review of Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for the fungicide trifloxystrobin in citrus fruits following a dossier submission in April 2026. This assessment signals potential future adjustments to legal residue limits, requiring food producers and importers to monitor upcoming EFSA opinions for supply chain compliance.
Romania ANF Conducts Thematic Pesticide Residue Controls in Bucharest Markets
Romania’s National Phytosanitary Authority (ANF) has initiated a thematic enforcement campaign targeting pesticide residues in seasonal produce across Bucharest markets. Operators should prepare for heightened market surveillance and sampling throughout 2026, necessitating robust supply chain controls to mitigate risks of non-compliance with Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs).
Rwanda — Draft Standard DRS 635:2026 Fish Feed Premix — Specification
Rwanda has proposed draft standard DRS 635:2026, introducing mandatory compositional, contaminant, and labeling requirements for fish feed premixes. Manufacturers must prepare for rigorous heavy metal and microbiological testing to ensure compliance and maintain market access for aquaculture inputs.
UK DEFRA Publishes Q3 2025 Pesticide Residues in Food Monitoring Results
UK authorities released the Q3 2025 pesticide monitoring report, identifying MRL exceedances in imported pearl barley, spices, and leafy greens. Businesses should anticipate continued enforcement focus on genotoxic residues and chlorate, necessitating stricter supply chain verification for imported food products.
Poland Reports Chlorpyrifos Residues in Ashwagandha Root From India and Recalls Affected Supplements
Poland has initiated a recall of Ashwagandha dietary supplements and detained imported root from India following the detection of unauthorized chlorpyrifos residues significantly exceeding legal limits. This enforcement action underscores the critical need for robust supply chain testing for botanical ingredients, as regulators increasingly apply zero-tolerance approaches to pesticide residues in health-focused consumer products.
EU Commission Analyses Non-Authorised Pesticide Substances in Organic Products Under Regulation (EU) 2018/848
The European Commission has released a performance analysis of Member State investigations into pesticide contamination within organic supply chains under Regulation (EU) 2018/848. Businesses should anticipate stricter enforcement of traceability and precautionary protocols, as approximately one-third of investigated contamination cases now result in the loss of organic market access.
Netherlands CBB Confirms Halved Fine for Dairy Farm’s Veterinary Withdrawal-Period Breach (ECLI:NL:CBB:2026:134)
The Dutch CBB confirmed a reduced €2,500 fine for a dairy farm's failure to observe the mandatory 15-day withdrawal period for a veterinary medicine before slaughter. The decision underscores strict liability for food chain documentation while establishing a precedent for proportionate penalty reductions in cases of isolated administrative errors.
Romania ANF Installs Final Equipment for New Residue-Analysis Laboratories in Bacău, Slatina and Arad
Romania is significantly expanding its pesticide residue monitoring capacity with three new laboratories set to become operational for the upcoming agricultural season. Companies should prepare for increased market surveillance and more frequent phytosanitary testing of plant-based products in the Romanian market.
EU EFSA Opens Peer Review of Pesticide Active Substance Tri-allate
EFSA has commenced the peer review for the renewal of the herbicide Tri-allate following the submission of the assessment report in March 2026. This process will determine the long-term regulatory status and potential use restrictions for Tri-allate-based products within the EU market.
EU Commission Adopts Regulation 2026/742 Updating MRLs for Cyflufenamid, Fenazaquin and Nicotine
The EU has updated Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for cyflufenamid, fenazaquin, and nicotine in food and feed products, effective April 20, 2026. Businesses must ensure supply chain compliance with revised limits and prepare for significant nicotine MRL reviews scheduled for 2029 and 2030.
EU Commission Extends Transitional Period and Sampling Rules Under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/808 (Regulation (EU) 2026/731)
The EU has extended the transitional period for legacy residue analytical methods until December 31, 2027, while updating sampling protocols for animal products and feed. This extension allows laboratories more time to align with modern validation standards, ensuring continued compliance and consistency in food safety enforcement.
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