Israel Updates Pesticide Residue Standards to Align with Latest EU Amendments.

"The Israel Ministry of Health’s National Food Service has notified the WTO Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures of a proposed amendment titled Public Health Protection Notice (Food) (Application of Changes to the Annex to European Union Directives) (Regulation EC 396/2005 – Maximum Residue Levels of Pesticides), 5785–2025. This measure updates Israel’s food safety framework to reflect the latest EU changes to pesticide maximum residue levels (MRLs) under Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005, enhancing food, plant, and animal safety standards.

Originally adopted in Israel through the Economic Plan Law (Legislative Amendments for the Implementation of Economic Policy 2021–2022), this regulation became effective on 1 January 2023, though with specific exceptions listed under the Public Health Protection (Food) Law, 5776–2015. The newly published amendment—signed by the Minister of Health and issued in Reshumot on 14 May 2025—incorporates 21 EU regulatory changes related to MRLs, aligning Israeli standards with European law as of 12 May 2025.

The update integrates EU measures without modifications, exceptions, or conditions, signaling Israel’s closer regulatory harmonization with EU food safety law. Key sections incorporate several EU Commission Regulations that adjust MRLs for a wide range of pesticides, including:

(EU) 2025/146 – Zoxamide

(EU) 2025/158 – Acetamiprid

(EU) 2025/195 – Fenbuconazole and Penconazole

(EU) 2025/581 – Cycloxydim, Dichlorprop-P, Flupyradifurone, Methyl Nonyl Ketone, Plant Oils/Citronella Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Potassium Phosphonate

(EU) 2025/1164 – Cyantraniliprole, Cyflumetofen, Deltamethrin, Mefentrifluconazole, Mepiquat, Oxathiapiprolin

(EU) 2025/1163 – Chlorpropham, Fuberidazole, Ipconazole, Methoxyfenozide, S-Metolachlor, Triflusulfuron

These amendments will enter into force from 24 August 2025, with some specific provisions taking effect on 6 January 2026.

The proposed regulation primarily aims to enhance food safety, protect plant and animal health, and ensure consistency with EU trade partners. However, Israel’s adoption diverges from the Codex Alimentarius standards, as it applies EU MRLs for most food categories except fresh fruits, vegetables, and raw animal-origin products, where Codex limits remain applicable.

This alignment strengthens Israel’s position in international food trade, ensuring that MRL limits for key pesticides match current EU thresholds and reflect updated risk assessments for consumer protection."