Should Pesticide Limits on Wild Blueberries Be Increased?
Official title: Consultation on clethodim, Proposed Maximum Residue Limit PMRL2024-21
Why This Matters
Eat blueberries? This affects what's allowed on them. The change is small—from 0.2 to 0.5 parts per million—but it sets the legal limit for both Canadian-grown and imported wild blueberries. Health Canada says it's still safe, but you might have had questions.
What Could Change
The maximum residue limit for clethodim on lowbush blueberries would increase from 0.2 to 0.5 ppm. This applies to Canadian-grown blueberries and imports. Once finalized, the new limit becomes legally binding in the MRL database.
Key Issues
- Should the pesticide residue limit on wild blueberries be raised from 0.2 to 0.5 ppm?
- Is the scientific evaluation adequate to protect human health?
How to Participate
- Review the proposed MRL decision document to understand the proposed changes.
- Submit comments to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Publications Section, including the consultation title PMRL2024-21.
What Happened
The consultation closed on December 16, 2024. Health Canada stated they would consider all comments received before making a final decision. Once finalized, the established MRL will be legally in effect and entered into the MRL database.