EPA Sets New Pesticide Limits Across 11 Crop Categories with Up to 0.15 ppm Rule

On April 7, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially issued rule 2025-05912, setting revised residue limits for Tiafenacil, a herbicide used in various agricultural applications. The update, now published in the Federal Register, details safe residue levels in 11 distinct crop groups, following a full assessment of dietary exposure, toxicology, and potential risks to children.

The EPA determined these adjustments are safe for human consumption, with most limits set at 0.01 parts per million (ppm). The only exception is canola (oilseed subgroup 20A), where the new maximum is 0.15 ppm.

Affected products include barley, peanuts, sweet corn, citrus fruits, tree nuts, stone fruits, legumes, and more. Dry peas (subgroup 6-22F) were given a slightly higher threshold of 0.03 ppm, while other legumes and grains maintain the standard 0.01 ppm cap.

Stakeholders who wish to file objections or request hearings must do so by June 6, 2025, as the rule is now in effect as of April 7. This regulatory change reflects the EPA’s ongoing monitoring of pesticide safety in food supply chains amid evolving agricultural practices and chemical usage.

The revision ensures continued public health protection while supporting agricultural innovation through science-based standards.