News Details
UK Notifies Draft Amendments on Food Contaminants and Pesticide Residues to WTO
On 20 March 2025, the United Kingdom notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft regulation proposing to update the maximum levels for certain contaminants and pesticide residues in food. The measure aims to better protect public health and reflects the latest scientific assessments.
Proposed Amendments to Contaminants and MRLs
The draft legislation introduces new and revised maximum levels (MLs) for various chemical contaminants in food and updates to the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for certain pesticides. Key changes include:
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Mycotoxins: Introduction of new MLs for deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone, and T-2/HT-2 toxins in cereals and cereal-based foods, especially those intended for infants and young children.
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Tropane alkaloids: New MLs for atropine and scopolamine in cereal-based products.
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Nitrate: Updates of the permitted levels in spinach and lettuce, including adjustments for seasonal variations.
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Pesticide residues: Adoption of 58 new or revised MRLs for active substances such as:
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Abamectin, cyazofamid, fludioxonil, mandestrobin, and spinetoram.
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Affected foods include a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices.
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Implementation Timeline
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Deadline for comments: Stakeholders are encouraged to review the proposed changes and submit comments via the WTO ePing portal by 5 May 2025
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Planned adoption and entry into force: 30 June 2025
The proposed regulation will apply in England, with corresponding legislation to follow in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to ensure UK-wide alignment.
A detailed list of the proposed MRLs can be found here.
We acknowledge that the above information has been compiled from World Trade Organization.
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