Changing maximum residue limits to be in sync with overseas

The maximum residue limits (MRLs) for certain agricultural and veterinary chemicals listed in the Food Standards Code are not harmonised with the limits in place overseas. Now Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has called for submissions on a proposal to amend our MRLs.

“If a chemical is found in a food product that does not have an MRL for that chemical it cannot be legally sold in Australia,” FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Mark Booth said.

“Chemicals can be used differently around the world because of different pests, diseases and environmental factors. This means residues in imported foods may differ from those in domestically produced products, but that does not mean there is a safety issue.

“FSANZ has assessed the proposal and concluded there are no public health and safety concerns relating to the changes.”

FSANZ decisions on standards are notified to ministers responsible for food regulation. The ministers can decide to adopt, amend or reject standards or they can ask for a review.

The closing date for submissions is COB 25 July 2017.

More information:

• The call for submissions report for M1014
• What are MRLs and how are they currently set?
• How to make a submission