Get this month’s food safety update from the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States
EU: New Draft MRLs for Isoxaben, Novaluron and Tetraconazole
On September 6, 2022, the European Union notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) new proposed maximum residue levels for isoxaben, novaluron and tetraconazole in or on certain products.
Isoxaben
| Commodity | MRLs |
| Tree nuts | 0.01 |
| Peanuts | 0.01 |
Novaluron
| Commodity | MRLs |
| Tree nuts | 0.01 |
| Peanuts | 0.01 |
Tetraconazole
| Commodity | MRLs |
| Tree nuts | 0.01 |
| Peanuts | 0.01 |
| Dates | 0.01 |
| Figs | 0.01 |
UK: Proposed Changes to Increased Import Controls and Emergency Measures
On September 7, 2022, the UK notified the WTO on rules concerning the temporary increase of official controls applicable to certain food and feed of non-animal origin entering Great Britain. This Regulation amends Annexes 1, 2 and 2a to retained Regulation 2019/1793.
Changes and products of concern:
| Commodity | Country of Origin | Action proposed | Reason |
| Dried grapes | Türkiye | To be delisted from Annex 1 | Ochratoxin A |
| Pistachios | United States | To be delisted from Annex 1 | Aflatoxins |
| Hazelnuts and associated products | Georgia | Decrease from 50% to 20% the frequency of identity and physical checks | Aflatoxins |
| Hazelnuts and associated products | Türkiye | Annex 2 to Annex 1 at 5% frequency of identity and physical checks | Aflatoxins |
| Peanuts | China | Move from Annex 2 to Annex 1 at 10% frequency of identity and physical checks | Aflatoxins |
| Peanuts | Brazil | Add to Annex 1 at 20% frequency of identity and physical checks | Aflatoxins |
| Peanuts and associated products | Brazil | Move from Annex 2 to Annex 1 at 10% frequency of identity and physical checks | Aflatoxins |
| Peanuts and associated products | India | Increase from 10% to 50% the frequency of identity and physical checks to be performed | Aflatoxins |
Proposed date of adoption is November 21, 2022, with publication on November 22, 2022.
Proposed date of entry into force is January 17, 2023.
USA: Pesticide Tolerances for Glufosinate
Regulation ‘Glufosinate; Pesticide Tolerances’ establishes tolerances for residues of glufosinate in or on multiple commodities including dried figs. This Regulation is effective September 21, 2022. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before November 21, 2022.
| Commodity | Parts per million |
| Dried figs | 0.15 |