Updated maximum residue levels for five pesticide substances take effect 20 days after publication. The changes follow risk assessments by the European Food Safety Authority and affect produce sold across the EU single market.
The European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2026/876 on 21 April 2026. It updates the maximum residue limits for five pesticide substances under Regulation (EC) 396/2005. The five substances are acetamiprid, aclonifen, deltamethrin, oxathiapiproline, and potassium phosphonates. The regulation enters into force 20 days after publication.
EFSA evaluated all five substances and confirmed the proposed limits are safe for consumers and animals. Requests came from operators seeking changes to existing levels for specific crop-product combinations. Acetamiprid limits change for apiculture products, including honey. Aclonifen changes cover aniseed. Deltamethrin sees revised levels for cherries. For sweet cherries specifically, the deltamethrin MRL rises to 0.15 mg/kg. Potassium phosphonate limits reach 80 mg/kg in sweet cherries and up to 1,000 mg/kg in certain nut categories. Oxathiapiproline receives new limits for Brussels sprouts, kale, watercress, and aromatic herbs excluding basil and edible flowers.
Alongside Regulation 2026/876, the Commission published Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/870 renewing approval of paraffin oil (CAS 8042-47-5) as an active pesticide substance. The approval runs from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2041 under Regulation (EC) 1107/2009. EFSA confirmed paraffin oil meets EU safety criteria. However, it requires confirmatory data on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon impurity levels and aquatic toxicity. The applicant must submit that data by 12 May 2027. The use restriction as insecticide and acaricide has been removed. Manufacturers must follow risk reduction measures covering MOAH (mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons) content, aquatic organism protection, and bee protection.
Both regulations are directly applicable across all 27 Member States, without the need for national transposition. Food business operators placing products covered by the updated MRLs on the EU market should verify compliance with the new limits before the regulations take effect.
