Zombie Fungus Gets EPA Pass to Bug Out on Food Residues
Published Date: 2/25/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA just gave a green light to Beauveria bassiana strain BW149, a natural bug-fighter, by exempting it from residue limits on all foods when used properly. Farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies can now use it without worrying about strict residue rules, starting February 25, 2025. If anyone has concerns, they have until April 28, 2025, to speak up—no extra costs or delays expected!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Residue Tolerance Exemption for Food Uses
Starting February 25, 2025, residues of Beauveria bassiana strain BW149 are exempt from the requirement of a tolerance on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. That means farmers, food processors, and pesticide makers can use this microbial pesticide for food uses without establishing a numerical residue limit.
EPA Finds BW149 Safe for Consumers
The EPA concluded there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the U.S. population, including infants and children, from aggregate exposure to residues of Beauveria bassiana strain BW149. The agency found BW149 is not anticipated to be toxic, pathogenic, or infective based on its human health risk assessment.
No Residue Testing Method Required
The EPA states that an analytical enforcement method is not required for Beauveria bassiana strain BW149 because the exemption is established without any numerical residue limit. Registrants and growers therefore are not required to support or perform a numerical residue testing method for enforcement of BW149 residues.
Not Approved for Residential Use
EPA notes the products containing Beauveria bassiana strain BW149 will be applied in agricultural settings and have not been approved for any residential uses. That means homeowners and other residential users should not expect this strain to be available for home or garden pest control.
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Key Dates
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