,"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a regulation establishing a tolerance for residues of the insecticide thiamethoxam in or on black pepper at a level of 0.15 parts per million (ppm). The action has been taken under the authority of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), which governs the establishment of pesticide residue tolerances in food commodities.
The tolerance was established in response to a petition submitted by the American Spice Trade Association, requesting that EPA set a maximum permissible residue level for thiamethoxam in black pepper to support its lawful use and ensure food safety compliance. EPA’s evaluation considered available scientific data to determine that the established tolerance is protective of consumer health.
This regulatory action enables the continued importation and distribution of black pepper treated with thiamethoxam, provided residues do not exceed the specified limit, and ensures regulatory clarity for spice producers, importers, and food business operators operating in the U.S. market."