Should New Pesticide Residue Limits for Metaldehyde Be Approved?

Official title: Consultation on metaldehyde, Proposed Maximum Residue Limit PMRL2025-06

Closed Regulations & Permits Agriculture & Food Health & Safety
Health Canada is proposing new limits for how much metaldehyde residue can remain on food. Metaldehyde is a pesticide used to kill slugs and snails on crops. The agency wants to know if the proposed safety limits are appropriate before making them law.

Why This Matters

Eat fruits or vegetables? This affects what's allowed on your food. Metaldehyde is commonly used on lettuce, strawberries, and other crops. The limits set here determine how much pesticide residue is considered safe for you and your family.

What Could Change

New maximum residue limits for metaldehyde will become legally binding once entered into Health Canada's MRL database. Food products exceeding these limits could be pulled from shelves. Farmers may need to adjust how and when they apply this pesticide.

Key Issues

  • Are the proposed maximum residue limits for metaldehyde safe for consumers?
  • Should the proposed MRL be approved as presented?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Proposed MRL decision document to understand the proposed limits.
  2. Submit written comments to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Publications Section, including the consultation document title (PMRL2025-06).

What Happened

The consultation period has closed. Health Canada will consider all comments received before making a final decision. Once finalized, the established MRLs will be legally in effect when entered into the MRL database.

Key Documents