Food Safety Intelligence: Chlorpyrifos in Food

The European Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States took significant steps to ensure food safety by implementing stricter regulations on the use of the insecticides chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl. This article discusses the regulatory changes and highlights the importance of monitoring food safety trends through the SGS DIGICOMPLY Food Safety Intelligence platform.

Europe's Ban on Chlorpyrifos and Chlorpyrifos-Methyl:

On January 10, 2020, the European Commission officially confirmed that the approval for the insecticides chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl would not be renewed. As a result, the authorization for these substances expired at the end of January 2020. To further enhance food and feed safety across the EU, the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl were reduced to an impressively low 0.01 mg/kg, effective from November 13, 2020.

Environmental Protection Agency's Move in the United States:

Following Europe's lead, the United States' EPA made a momentous decision in February 2022 by completely revoking all previous allowances for chlorpyrifos in food. Prior to this move, the USA had specific upper limits in place for a wide range of products, including various fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Ongoing Concerns:

While progress has been made in Europe and the USA, it's important to note that some countries still allow the use of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl. Consequently, there remains a risk of contaminated products entering the market. This concern is substantiated by data obtained from government bodies, available through the SGS DIGICOMPLY platform.

Our SGS DIGICOMPLY Food Safety Intelligence also shows chlorpyrifos as a trend to watch.

Conclusion:

The European Commission and the EPA's decisions to tighten regulations on chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl are significant milestones in promoting food safety. Despite these positive changes, the possibility of contaminated products still exists in countries where these insecticides continue to be used. By leveraging the SGS DIGICOMPLY Food Safety Intelligence platform, stakeholders can stay vigilant and address potential risks promptly. Ensuring the safety of food on the market remains a shared responsibility, and staying informed is crucial in this ongoing endeavor. Explore SGS Digicomply platform now.