EU Lowers MRLs for Benomyl, Carbendazim and Thiophanate-methyl

European Commission published Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1546, amending Annexes II, III, and V of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 concerning maximum residue levels (MRLs) for Benomyl, Carbendazim, and Thiophanate-methyl in food and feed products. Key changes include: Removal of Carbendazim and Thiophanate-methyl entries from Annex II and Part B of Annex III. Introduction of new entries for Benomyl, Carbendazim, and Thiophanate-methyl in Annex V. Establishment of MRLs at the limit of determination (LOD) for most commodities: 0.01 mg/kg for fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables, and dry pulses. 0.05 mg/kg for tea, coffee, cocoa, hops, spices, liquorice, ginger, turmeric, chilli pepper, cloves, saffron, and related commodities. The Regulation includes transitional provisions allowing products placed on the EU market before 29 January 2027 to comply with previous MRLs. However, these provisions do not apply to Carbendazim residues in grapefruit, oranges, papayas, and mangoes, or Thiophanate-methyl residues in grapefruit, oranges, mandarins, papayas, and mangoes. Food producers, importers, exporters, and testing laboratories should review residue monitoring programs and supply chain controls to ensure compliance with the revised MRLs before the application date of 29 January 2027.