Israel Updates Public Health Protection Regulation on Maximum Residue Levels of Pesticides in Food

Israel has moved forward in harmonizing its food safety framework with European Union regulations by adopting recent amendments to Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005 on maximum residue levels (MRLs) of pesticides in food and feed. Originally integrated into Israeli law through the Public Health Protection (Food) Law, 5776–2015 and the Economic Plan Law, 2021–2022, Regulation 396/2005 was partially applied in Israel starting 1 January 2023, with certain exceptions listed under Schedule Two A of the law.

On 14 May 2025, the Ministry of Health published the Public Health Protection Order (Food) (Application of Changes to the Annex to EU Directives) (Regulation 396/2005 – MRLs of Pesticide Residues). This order officially applied 21 EU updates to pesticide residue limits that had taken effect up until May 2025.Now, Israel is proposing to adopt further EU amendments without modifications or exceptions, ensuring closer alignment with European legislation. The latest updates address revised maximum residue levels for a wide range of active substances, including:

1. Zoxamide (Reg. (EU) 2025/146 – effective 24 Aug 2025)
2. Acetamiprid (Reg. (EU) 2025/158 – effective 24 Aug 2025)
3. Fenbuconazole & Penconazole (Reg. (EU) 2025/195 – effective 24 Aug 2025)
4. Cycloxydim, Dichlorprop-P, Flupyradifurone, Methyl Nonyl Ketone, Citronella Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Potassium Phosphonate (Reg. (EU) 2025/581 – effective 24 Aug 2025)
5. Cyantraniliprole, Cyflumetofen, Deltamethrin, Mefentrifluconazole, Mepiquat, Oxathiapiprolin (Reg. (EU) 2025/1164 – effective 24 Aug 2025)
6. Chlorpropham, Fuberidazole, Ipconazole, Methoxyfenozide, S-metolachlor, Triflusulfuron (Reg. (EU) 2025/1163 – effective 6 Jan 2026)

The Ministry emphasized that existing exceptions under Column A of Schedule Two A will continue to apply, even as these new EU-based limits are integrated. This step highlights Israel’s commitment to enhancing consumer protection, supporting agricultural trade, and maintaining consistency with international food safety practices by regularly updating pesticide residue standards in line with the EU.