Table of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) (EU Pesticides Database)

The EU MRL list includes, in addition to active substances, isomers of active substances, substances with non-plant-protection uses (e.g. preservatives), as well as substances that are no longer used.
The maximum permitted level of pesticide residues in food is 0.01 mg/kg. This general limit applies "by default", i.e. to all cases where no specific MRL has been established for a particular product or product category.
The specific MRLs presented in the table may, in certain cases, be higher than the default limit.
You can read more about MRLs and pesticide residues here.

Summary information on residues and explanation >>

The 4 main categories of substances with respect to MRLs

1. Approved active substances (PPP-approved)
They have:

authorised uses
established MRLs per crop/commodity

MRLs are based on:

GAP (Good Agricultural Practice)
residue trials
ADI / ARfD

2. Not approved but with an MRL
This is very common and often causes confusion.
Examples: DDT, Aldrin / Dieldrin, Vinclozolin, Parathion, Endosulfan
This applies because:

MRLs are used:
- for the control of imported products
- for the detection of illegal use
they are usually:
- LOQ-based (e.g. 0.01 mg/kg)

MRL ≠ authorisation of use

3. Substances listed in Annex IV (No MRL required)
This category includes: basic substances, natural products, microorganisms, pheromones
Characteristics:

no MRL is required
not because they “leave no residues”, but because:
- there is no toxicological concern
- or residues are not considered relevant

Examples:

microorganisms (Trichoderma, Bacillus, etc.)
pheromones
acetic acid
sucrose
plant oils (in specific cases)

4. Substances outside the scope of MRLs

Examples: nutrients (N, P, K), nitrates, calcium, iron, CO₂, oxygen, urea (when used as a fertiliser)
Regulated under: food safety, environmental pollution, nutrition

MRLs apply only to the harvested product and not to residues that may occur after processing. For processed products, an assessment should be carried out based on Processing Factors (PFs) or you may consult the MRLs for PROCESSED FOOD PRODUCTS.

REGULATION (EC) No 149/2008
DIRECTIVE 2007/57/EC
You can read more about MRLs and pesticide residues here.

Important! The fact that an active substance appears in the list of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) does not mean that its use is automatically permitted in the crop.

For all pesticide residues in plant-based products: https://ec.europa.eu/food/

Active ingredient Explanation	Maximum Residue (mg/kg)
Λοιπές ουσίες The maximum level of pesticide residues in food is 0.01 mg/kg. This general limit applies "by default", i.e. for all cases where no MLR has been set specifically for a product or type of product.	0.01

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Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs)

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