New maximum limits for chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl
The plant protection products chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl are no longer permitted in the EU. Their permit ended on February 16, 2020. Chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl are insecticides that were used as pesticides in agriculture for many years. However, chlorpyrifos is suspected of damaging the genetic material and nerves of children.
The use-by dates for the use of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl expired on 16 April 2020. This also applies to their storage and disposal. From now on, the maximum limits according to the EU Maximum Residue Limit Regulation No. 396/2005 for food and feed will also be lowered to 0.01 mg/kg.
This means that no food or feed containing residues may be placed on the market, and also applies to imported food from third countries.
In which food products are residues primarily found?
Residues of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl are found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Particularly affected are citrus fruits, bananas, kiwis, herbs and herbal teas, peppers, olive oil and table grapes.
The analysis of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl in a wide variety of food is a long-standing practice of our WESSLING experts in food analysis. It is part of our pesticide screening, in which more than 500 pesticides can be analysed for you.
Your contact person
- Lidia Oberleitner
- +49 30 77 507 410
- lidia.oberleitner@wessling.de
