FOOD AND HEALTH ESSENTIALS

Canada establishes new MRLs for Sulfuryl Fluoride on crops

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) of Health Canada has adopted new maximum residue limits (MRLs) for sulfuryl fluoride, a gaseous pesticide that is gaining increased use as a fumigant for the control of insects in certain stored cereals, dried fruits and tree nuts.

Under the new limits, the MRLs for sulfuryl fluoride are now 3.0 parts per million (ppm) for most varieties of tree nuts, 2.0 ppm for all processed foods, 0.5 ppm for peanuts, 0.2 ppm for cacao beans and 0.1 for most cereal grains.

The new sulfuryl fluoride MRLs were originally proposed by the PMRA in September 2016. Following a public comment period, Health Canada notified the World Trade Organisation (WTO) of the intended changes in order to comply with Canada’s international trade obligations. The new MRLs were adopted by the WTO, and took effect in Canada at the end of 2016.

The text of the PMRA’s consultation on sulfuryl fluoride MRLs for agricultural crops imported into or sold in Canada is available here.