Maximum Residue Limit review

The Maximum Residue Limits are the top level of specific chemicals permitted to be in certain types of foods. It is a requirement in Chapter One of the Food Standards Code.

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For more information please call the FSANZ media phone on 0401 714 265 or email media@foodstandards.gov.au.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today invited submissions on proposed changes to maximum residue limits (MRLs) in the Food Standards Code.

FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon said FSANZ periodically reassessed MRLs for agricultural or veterinary chemicals that may be present in food.

“This is a routine process, both to allow the sale of food with legitimate residues and to remove limits that are no longer required,” Mr McCutcheon said.

“This Proposal includes consideration of MRLs gazetted by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority for carbendazim and dimethoate. It also considers MRLs requested by other parties, to align the Code with Codex (the body that develops international standards) or trading partner standards.

“FSANZ’s dietary exposure assessments indicate the limits set out in this Proposal do not present any public health and safety concerns.”

The closing date for submissions was 13 August 2012.

For full details about approvals and other standards matters see the latest FSANZ Notification Circular

Media contact: 0401 714 265 (Australia) or +61 401 714 265 (from New Zealand) or email media@foodstandards.gov.au