The European Commission has announced a significant amendment to pesticide residue regulations for food safety, setting stringent new limits on thiacloprid residue levels in certain food products. Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2711, published on 22 October 2024, revises the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for thiacloprid across various foods, taking effect on 12 May 2025. This update responds to health risks identified by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), including concerns over carcinogenic and reproductive toxicity.
Why the New Limits on Thiacloprid?
The EU’s revised MRLs for thiacloprid follow EFSA assessments that indicate potential health risks, particularly for imported foods such as peaches and bell peppers where high levels of thiacloprid have been detected. Thiacloprid, a pesticide previously used in agriculture, was re-evaluated after its approval was withdrawn in 2020 due to its classification as a potential carcinogen and endocrine disruptor. EFSA studies raised concerns over the contamination of groundwater with thiacloprid metabolites that could have harmful effects on human health, especially through endocrine disruption.
Key Changes and Affected Foods
The updated regulation impacts multiple categories, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and animal products. New MRLs have been set at or near the lowest detectable levels, particularly for sensitive items like:
- Fruits: Peaches, raspberries, and sweet peppers now have MRLs reduced to the analytical detection limits.
- Vegetables: Lower limits are established for tomatoes, cucumbers, and certain leafy greens.
- Animal Products: Meats, milk, and eggs also face stricter thiacloprid residue requirements to ensure overall consumer safety.
These stringent levels are expected to mitigate acute health risks linked to both direct consumption and potential cumulative exposure from multiple food sources.
Transitional Measures and Industry Impact
To ease the transition, the regulation includes a grace period allowing products already in circulation before 12 May 2025 to remain unaffected. However, items with known acute health risks, such as pears, sweet peppers, and specific leafy vegetables, are excluded from this exemption to protect consumer health.
The EU consulted with global trading partners through the World Trade Organization to anticipate international trade adjustments and ensure food operators have adequate time to comply. The Commission’s Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food, and Feed approved these changes as part of ongoing efforts to uphold high safety standards for consumers in the EU.
