The European Commission has updated the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for a number of pesticides in food. The new rules, set out in Regulation (EC) 2026/215 and published on 30 January 2026, amend the Annex to Regulation (EC) 396/2005, in particular regarding provisions for dimethomorph, ethephon, and propiconazole.
This regulation will enter into force on 19 August 2026 and will directly affect the sale of fruit, vegetables, grain and animal products within the EU.
One of the most significant changes was the de facto exclusion of dimethoate. Following the 2023 decision not to renew its authorization, Brussels abolished the previously applicable maximum residue limits.
In practice, this means that all products must meet the “limit of detection,” the lowest concentration that can be detected by the analytical method. Any traces exceeding this threshold are not permitted. Furthermore, annotations requiring additional data are removed, as they are deemed unnecessary.
This reinstated adjustment to the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for ethephon is based on a scientific review by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The agency recommended reducing the ADI from 0.03 mg/kg body weight to 0.02 mg/kg.
In addition, the definition of residues in cereals has been amended to include the total amount of free ethephon and its conjugates.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) emphasized that, in the case of propiconazole, a risk to lettuce cannot be excluded. Therefore, new regulations based on safer agricultural practices have reduced the maximum permitted amount of propiconazole for this crop.
Content standards for other products (including some animal products and honey) will be maintained or adjusted based on existing scientific assessment results.
The Commission has established a transition period for producers, food processing companies, and third-country exporters to allow them to adapt. Products placed on the market before August 19, 2026, will remain subject to the previous regulations, with three exceptions: ethephon in apples and blueberries, and propiconazole in lettuce.
The decision was taken after consultation with the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, and the changes were communicated to the EU’s trading partners through the World Trade Organization.
This update strengthens the European pesticide residue control system in Brussels, bringing legal limits in line with the latest scientific assessments and reaffirming the commitment to robust consumer protection.
Post time: May-27-2026
