EPA Caps Pesticide Residue on Black Pepper at 0.05 PPM
Published Date: 2/20/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA just set a safe limit for imidacloprid pesticide residue on black pepper at 0.05 parts per million. This affects farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies who handle black pepper. The new rule kicks in on February 20, 2026, and anyone wanting to object has until April 21, 2026 to speak up.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
0.05 ppm Limit on Black Pepper
The EPA set a legal tolerance for imidacloprid pesticide residue on black pepper at 0.05 parts per million (ppm). This action is identified as potentially affecting agricultural producers, food manufacturers, and pesticide manufacturers who handle black pepper.
EPA Finds Aggregate Exposure Safe
EPA concluded there is a reasonable certainty of no harm to the general U.S. population, including infants and children, from aggregate exposure to imidacloprid residues. EPA found acute exposure for children 1-2 years old is 86% of the acute population-adjusted dose (aPAD) and chronic exposure is 32% of the chronic PAD (cPAD).
Tolerance Applies to Imported Black Pepper
EPA's related risk assessment and documents refer to residues in/on imported black pepper, and the rule notes that there are no U.S. registrations for imidacloprid on this commodity as of February 20, 2026. The tolerance establishes the maximum permissible residue for that commodity at 0.05 ppm.
Deadline to Object or Request Hearing
Any person may file an objection or request a hearing on this regulation, but objections and hearing requests must be received by the EPA Hearing Clerk on or before April 21, 2026 and must follow the instructions in 40 CFR part 178. The rule states failing to file within that period waives the right to raise issues resolved in the final rule.
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