Australia: Products Containing Chlorthal Dimethyl Cancelled Immediately
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has cancelled all 12 products containing the herbicide chlorthal dimethyl, citing an immediate risk of serious injury or illness resulting from the use of these products. Farmers and retailers may continue to hold product until further notice, but must not use it. The use of chlorthal dimethyl as an agricultural chemical product is now illegal.
EU: EFSA Collecting Data on Alternaria Toxins
The European Commission recommended that EFSA gather data on Alternaria toxins —alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether and tenuazonic acid, among others— in foodstuffs including tree nuts and dried figs. Member States and food operators should provide to EFSA, by June 30 of each year, Alternaria toxin occurrence data from the previous year. No deadline has yet been set for the establishment of a maximum level.
EU: Restrictions on Use of PFHxA and Related Substances in Packaging
On September 19, 2024, the European Commission adopted restrictions on the use of undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and PFHxA‑related substances in paper and cardboard used as food contact materials. The maximum levels (MLs) established are 25 ppb for the sum of PFHxA and its salts and 1,000 ppb for the sum of PFHxA-related substances. These MLs will apply both to products used and placed on the market. The new rules will apply as of October 10, 2026.
EU: Plant Protection Products Update
The European Commission has published new maximum residue levels (MRLs) for various substances in or on nuts and dried fruits. Click here for more information.
On September 27, 2024, the Official Journal of the European Union published Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2570, regarding methoxychlor. A concentration limit of 0.01 mg/kg is established for methoxychlor as an unintentional trace contaminant in substances, mixtures and articles.
On October 3, 2024, the Journal published Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2576, approving prallethrin as an active substance for use in biocidal products of product-type 18 (insecticides, acaricides and products to control other arthropods), subject to the conditions set out in the Annex.
EU: Sorbates Update
Regulation (EU) 2024/2597 was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on October 7, 2024. This regulation amends Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use of sorbic acid (E 200) and potassium sorbate (E 202) and the Annex to Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 as regards the specifications for sorbic acid (E 200), potassium sorbate (E 202) and propyl gallate (E 310).
EU: Official Controls Update
On September 25, 2024, the Official Journal of the European Union published Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2104 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2017/625 as regards the cases where and the conditions under which competent authorities may request operators to notify the arrival of certain goods entering the Union.
Under this regulation, competent authorities may request operators to notify the arrival of certain goods where the following conditions are met:
- the notification is necessary, taking into account:
- identified risks to human, animal or plant health, animal welfare or, as regards genetically modified organisms and plant protection products, also to the environment, associated with the goods concerned; or
- the history of compliance with the requirements established by the rules referred to in Article 1(2) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 applicable to the goods concerned;
- the goods concerned are subject to official controls at border control posts in accordance with Article 44(3), point (b), of Regulation (EU) 2017/625
This Regulation will apply as of March 3, 2025.
Japan: Draft MRLs for Fluopyram, Cartap, Thiocyclam and Bensultap
Japan has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of draft maximum residue levels (MRLs) for various substances in or on nuts and dried fruits. Click here for more information.