Canada to Implement Proposed MRLs for Pyraziflumid in fruits and nuts

Health Canada’s PMRA has notified the WTO that proposed MRLs for Pyraziflumid in specific food commodities are to be implemented. Comments from WTO members are due by May 14, 2022.

More than 1,000 pesticides are frequently used to increase yields of cereals, fruits, and vegetables by protecting them against plant diseases caused by pests and pathogens including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. However, residues of those compounds in the environment and food is potentially harmful for human health and a worldwide concern. To ensure food is safe for human consumption, maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides in various commodities have been established in many countries.

In 2018, Pyraziflumid or N-[2-(3,4-difluorophenyl)phenyl]-3 (trifluoromethyl)pyrazine-2-carboxamide); CAS number: 942515-63-1, was discovered as a novel member of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor fungicide and registered for sale and use in plant cultivation in Japan and South Korea. Three commercial products containing this active ingredient have been launched, for vegetables, fruit crops, and turf, respectively. Nevertheless, there are no MRLs for Pyraziflumid in food in Codex or the European Union. Recently, Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) accepted its use for specific foods [2] with a number of MRLS (see proposed MRLs in Table 1).

The Quick Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) method is effective for the extraction of most pesticides and is appropriate for Pyraziflumid in crops. Based on its chemical structure, high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the best analytical process to give the high accuracy, selectivity, and sensitivity.

Table 1 Proposed MRLs for Pyraziflumid in fruits and nuts.

What do these changes mean?

This update has the potential to affect agricultural producers, food manufacturers, and pesticide manufacturers. Food products destined for Canada, if listed in Table 1, must not have residues of Pyraziflumid exceeding the MRLs. Complying with food safety regulations can be a complex, time-consuming and expensive process. Food producers should seek professional advice.

SGS is committed to keeping you informed of regulation news and developments. Leveraging our global network of laboratories and food experts, SGS provides a comprehensive range of food safety and quality solutions, including analytical tests, audits, certifications, inspections, and technical support. We continually invest in our testing, capability, and state-of-the art technology to help you reduce risk, improve food safety and quality. For furthermore information, please visit our website: www.sgs.com/foodsafety

For enquiries, please contact

Amornpun Dejsiripun

© SGS Group Management SA - 2022 - All rights reserved - SGS is a registered trademark of SGS Group Management SA. This is a publication of SGS, except for 3rd parties’ contents submitted or licensed for use by SGS. SGS neither endorses nor disapproves said 3rd parties contents. This publication is intended to provide technical information and shall not be considered an exhaustive treatment of any subject treated. It is strictly educational and does not replace any legal requirements or applicable regulations. It is not intended to constitute consulting or professional advice. The information contained herein is provided “as is” and SGS does not warrant that it will be error-free or will meet any particular criteria of performance or quality. Do not quote or refer any information herein without SGS’s prior written consent.