Regulatory Changes Aim to Improve Human Health and Align with International Standards
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in Great Britain has proposed amendments to the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for two active substances: Emamectin and Thiabendazole. These changes are being driven by health concerns and the need to align with international trade standards, particularly those set by Codex Alimentarius (CXL).
Emamectin: Proposal to Lower MRLs Due to Health Concerns
Emamectin, currently a non-approved active substance in Great Britain, has raised acute and chronic intake concerns due to existing MRLs for certain food products, particularly lettuces and milk. The HSE has identified potential health risks to humans from the residue levels in these products, and as a result, it has proposed significant reductions in the MRLs.
- For lettuce, the proposed MRL would be lowered from 1 mg/kg to 0.01 mg/kg, the limit of quantification.
- For milk, the MRL is proposed to be reduced from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.003 mg/kg, aligning with the Codex MRL.
In addition to these adjustments, the HSE is proposing to adopt Codex MRLs for Chinese cabbages and other leafy brassicas (0.2 mg/kg), spinach (0.05 mg/kg), tea (0.1 mg/kg), and edible offals (0.1 mg/kg). These changes aim to ensure safer food products for consumers while aligning with international food safety standards.
Thiabendazole: Adjustments to MRL for Birds Eggs and New Proposals for International Trade
Thiabendazole, an approved active substance in Great Britain, has also prompted acute and chronic intake concerns with its current MRL for bird eggs. After further assessments, the HSE has proposed reducing the MRL for thiabendazole in bird eggs from 2 mg/kg to the Codex MRL of 0.1 mg/kg, in order to minimize potential health risks.
In addition, to meet the UK’s international trade obligations, new MRLs are proposed for mangoes, sweet potatoes, and witloof/Belgian endives, marking an important step toward enhancing trade compatibility with global agricultural standards.
Proposed Timeline for Implementation
The proposed date of adoption and publication of the new MRLs for emamectin and thiabendazole is set for 2 September 2025. The new MRLs are expected to come into effect six months after the adoption and publication date, with an official update to be communicated via HSE’s eBulletin service once the final MRLs are agreed upon.
These measures have been notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) as part of the UK’s commitment to international trade obligations, ensuring that Great Britain remains in compliance with global food safety standards.
Implications for UK Agriculture and Trade
The proposed reductions in emamectin and thiabendazole MRLs represent an important step toward improving public health safety in the UK, aligning with international trade practices and ensuring that British agricultural products can continue to meet the highest standards of food safety. These adjustments will also help strengthen the UK’s agricultural exports by ensuring compatibility with international markets, thereby reducing trade barriers.
Further Actions and Updates
Upon completion of the notification process and the final decision on the MRLs, updates will be shared with the public, providing clarity on the adoption, publication, and entry into force of the new limits. The final amendments are expected to have a significant impact on farming practices in the UK, particularly with respect to the use of emamectin and thiabendazole in crop protection.
