Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides Registered for Use on Australian Macadamia Nuts

Information Bulletin - June 2012

This information bulletin provides a list of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides registered¹ for use in Australian macadamia nuts.  Listed in the table are MRLs for Australia as established in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (FSC) and a number of countries to which Australian macadamia nuts are exported, as at September 2009. The main purpose of this bulletin is to inform growers, packers and marketers of the export requirements in regards to pesticide residues.  The critical element of this information is that Australian MRLs do not apply to other countries and even though a pesticide may be registered in Australia, it may not be the case in that overseas country.  If an MRL is ‘not set’, generally a zero tolerance applies (refer to end of table for full details).

Organisations marketing to overseas countries should be aware that the information provided below represents the official standards, but not necessarily the marketing requirements.  Marketers should refer to the contractual arrangements concerning agreed residue limits.

Disclaimer: Although the Australian Government has exercised due care and skill in the preparation and compilation of this publication, it does not warrant its accuracy, completeness, currency or suitability for any purpose. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Australian Government disclaims all liability including liability in negligence for any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred by persons as a result of accessing, using or relying upon any of the information or data set out in this publication. Before relying on the material in any matters, users should carefully evaluate its accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance for the purposes intended, and should obtain any appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances.

Notes to the Table:

1 The registration status of the chemicals listed may vary for each commodity and in each State. This list includes registered chemicals where an off-label use has been permitted by APVMA and some chemicals that are included in the NRS program which are no longer registered for use on macadamia nuts.  Prior to using any chemical, consult the label and/or regulatory authority in your State.  Please refer to product label for chemical name or active ingredient. Please check the AVPMA website for further details (Pubcris Registered Product).

2 Unless indicated the MRL applies to the whole kernel after the removal of the shell.

3 AUSTRALIA, US,and TAIWAN: In the absence of a set MRL, a zero tolerance applies.

4 Many countries default to maximum residue limits established by CODEX including Algiers, Angola, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Honduras, Hong Kong, Jordan, Lebanon, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Thailand, Trinidad, Tobargo, Tunisia and Venezuala.

5 EU -  In the absence of a set MRL, a maximum residue limit of 0.01 mg/kg applies.

6 Japan - in the absence of an MRL a default MRL of 0.01 mg/kg applies

7 Malaysia - For those values listed as 'not set', refer to the corresponding Codex value. If no Codex MRL exists, a default MRL of 0.01 mg/kg then applies. (Reg 41).

8 Singapore - If no MRL exists, Codex MRLs may apply.

9 US – ‘Dithiocarbamates’ was previously reported as 3.0 ppm in this Information Bulletin – NRS is currently confirming this with USFDA.

10 Carbenazim and Benomyl (sum of Benomyl & Carbendazim) usually expressed as Carbendazim.

'not set' denotes that no MRL has been established, refer to details above for each countries default value.

'not required' denotes that no MRL has been established, and any detection is permissible.

'T' denotes that the MRL residue definition or use is temporary to enable further experimental work to be carried out in Australia or overseas, and will be reconsidered at some further date.  This symbol is also used in cases where the MRL is being phased out. 

‘P’ – Provisional MRL (Japan) MRLs appearing in the Provisional MRLs List have been provisionally established without passing through the full legal procedure due to time restrictions and to enable the smooth implementation of the new system.

Sources of Information

This table has been compiled with reference to the information obtained from the following Food/Agricultural Authorities or publications:

Australia - Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
Codex - Codex Alimentarius Commission. FAO/WHO Food Stds Codex Alimentarius Pesticide Residues in Food — MRLs & Extraneous MRLs.

European Union - The EU pesticide residues database provides a search tool for all the EU-MRLs set in Reg. (EC) No 396/2005.

Japan - Positive List System for Agricultural Chemical Residues in Foods.

Malaysia - Laws of Malaysia available on the Malaysia Government, Ministry of Health Food Safety and Quality Division website

then go to Food Regulations 1985 then scroll down to 'schedules', then go to Schedule 16 and unlock winzip file.

Singapore - Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation — Sale of Food Act Chapter 283.

Taiwan - Department of Health, Taiwan, ROC. Food Sanitation — Pesticide Residue Limits in Foods, from the Department of Health Website.

USA - United States Food and Drug Administration, Code of Federal Regulations Tolerances - e-CFR Data - Chapter I - Environmental Protection Agency subchapter e-pesticide programs part 180 - Tolerances and Exemptions for Pesticide Chemical Residues in Food; is current as of January 21, 2010.