Chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl insecticides banned in EU from Spring 2020

18-Dec-2019 - Germany

Since 2009, the insecticides chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl are banned in Germany. Now, the approval in the European Union is not renewed. This was decided on 6 December by the representatives of the Standing Committee on plants, animals, Food and Feed (SCoPAFF) in Brussels.

Photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash

The ban should apply from February 2020. The use of stocks is allowed for further 3 months. The substances are mainly used in the fruit growing regions in southern Europe. Here, the insecticides are applied to citrus fruits such as oranges, mandarins or grapefruit.

The EU states are following a recommendation of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Based on peer review the actives substances no longer meet the approval criteria. Both agents have potential neurological and genotoxic effects on the human body.

The ban also reduces the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl to 0.01 mg / kg for fruit and vegetables. Both agents have been detected in the past in fruit and vegetable samples, regularly. The values found, however, were usually below the previously valid MRLs.

The determination of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl is routinely carried out as part of the multimethod with a detection limit of 0.01 mg / kg.
The laboratories of SYNLAB Food are accredited for the determination of these and many other pesticides. Further information can be found on our website determination of plant protection products. We look forward to your inquiry.

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Topic world Food safety

Food safety is at the heart of the food and beverage industry. It ensures that the food we eat every day is not only nutritious, but also free of harmful contaminants. From field to plate, the industry monitors and regulates every step of the process with strict quality controls, advanced testing methods and continuous research.

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Topic world Food safety

Food safety is at the heart of the food and beverage industry. It ensures that the food we eat every day is not only nutritious, but also free of harmful contaminants. From field to plate, the industry monitors and regulates every step of the process with strict quality controls, advanced testing methods and continuous research.