Should Pesticide Limits on Lowbush Blueberries Be Increased?
Official title: Consultation on benzovindiflupyr, Proposed Maximum Residue Limit PMRL2025-01
Health Canada proposed increasing the allowed amount of a fungicide called benzovindiflupyr on lowbush blueberries. The limit would jump from 0.01 to 2.0 parts per million—a 200-fold increase. This change would let farmers spray closer to harvest time.
Why This Matters
Eat blueberries? This affects what's on them when they reach your table. The fungicide has been used in Canada since 2015, but this change means more residue could be present at harvest. Health Canada says it's still safe, but you might have thoughts on that.
What Could Change
If approved, blueberry farmers could spray benzovindiflupyr closer to harvest. The maximum residue limit would increase from 0.01 ppm to 2.0 ppm. This applies to both Canadian-grown and imported lowbush blueberries.
Key Issues
- Should the pesticide residue limit on lowbush blueberries be increased 200-fold?
- Is the shorter pre-harvest interval safe for consumers?
How to Participate
- Review the Proposed MRL decision document to understand the proposed changes.
- Submit comments to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Publications Section. Include 'PMRL2025-01' in your submission.
What Happened
The consultation period closed on March 30, 2025. Health Canada will publish the final decision and update the MRL database once the decision is finalized.