Updates to Maximum Residue Limits for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals in Australia and New Zealand

In a significant regulatory move, both Australia and New Zealand have recently addressed the issue of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals in food. These measures aim to ensure the safety and quality of agricultural products available in both countries. Here's a breakdown of the latest developments:

Australia:

On September 29, 2023, the Australian Government unveiled the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (MRL Standard for Residues of Chemical Products) Instrument 2023, which supersedes the previous 2019 version, marking a pivotal change. The updated instrument has been immediately implemented.

The primary objective of the 2023 Instrument is to incorporate recent legislative modifications found in the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act 1992 (the Admin Act). Under this Act, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has been granted new authority, specifically under section 7A of the Admin Act, enabling them to approve standards for chemical product residue. This approval power extends beyond mere publication. Importantly, the standards for chemical product residues established under the 2023 Instrument remain consistent with those outlined in the 2019 Instrument.

New Zealand:

Similarly, on September 24, 2023, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in New Zealand presented a series of proposals regarding amendments to the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice. These proposals primarily focus on five compounds, namely fenpyrazamine, fenpyroximate, fluxapyroxad, mefentrifluconazole, and sulfoxaflor. Stakeholders and interested parties have the opportunity to provide feedback on these proposals until November 13, 2023. This open-comment period ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in the decision-making process.

Detailed changes are listed in the table below: