The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has revised Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for the fungicide mefentrifluconazole in several berry categories in Great Britain (GB), following an application to support new minor use authorisations for plant protection products.
Mefentrifluconazole is an approved active substance in Great Britain, used primarily as a fungicide in agricultural practices. The revision of MRLs was requested to accommodate expanded uses on certain fruit crops where previously limited or no specific authorisations existed.
Updated MRLs
Following scientific assessment, the HSE has established or confirmed the following MRLs:
Blueberries:Increased from 0.01 mg/kg (limit of quantification) to 2 mg/kg
Mulberries (black and white):Increased from 0.01 mg/kg to 2 mg/kg
Currants (black, red, and white):Maintained at 2 mg/kg, replacing a temporary MRL with a confirmed level
The updated MRLs are intended to:
Support minor use extensions of plant protection products
Ensure legal clarity for growers and exporters
Maintain consumer safety based on risk assessments conducted by the HSE
The increase from the default limit (0.01 mg/kg) to 2 mg/kg for blueberries and mulberries reflects the need to accommodate practical agricultural applications while ensuring that residue levels remain within safe toxicological limits.
Implications for Industry
Farmers and growers benefit from expanded fungicide use options for berry crops
Food business operators must ensure compliance with updated residue limits
Exporters should verify alignment with destination market MRLs, as these GB-specific limits may differ from EU or Codex standards
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