Should New Pesticide Residue Limits for Pyrethrins Be Approved?
Official title: Consultation for pyrethrins, Proposed Maximum Residue Limit PMRL2025-25
Health Canada wants to set new limits on how much pyrethrin pesticide residue can remain on food. Pyrethrins are natural insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers, commonly used on fruits, vegetables, and grains. The agency is asking whether the proposed maximum residue limits are appropriate before making them legally binding.
Why This Matters
Eat fruits or vegetables? These limits affect what's allowed on your food. Pyrethrins are considered safer than synthetic pesticides, but residue limits still matter for what ends up on your plate. Farmers and food producers also need to know what standards they'll have to meet.
What Could Change
Once finalized, the new maximum residue limits become legally binding under the Pest Control Products Act. Food products exceeding these limits could be pulled from shelves. The limits will be entered into Health Canada's official MRL database, which importers and food inspectors use to check compliance.
Key Issues
- Are the proposed maximum residue limits for pyrethrins appropriate for protecting public health?
- Should these residue limits be made legally binding?
How to Participate
- Review the proposed MRL decision document to understand the specific limits being proposed.
- Submit written comments to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Publications Section. Include the title "PMRL2025-25" in your submission.