EPA Greenlights Pesticide for Rice Emergency Until 2028
Published Date: 11/17/2025
Rule
Summary
The EPA just gave a green light for using the pesticide chlorantraniliprole on rice during an emergency, setting safe limits for any leftover pesticide on the grain. This special permission lasts until the end of 2028 and mainly affects farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies. The rule kicks in November 17, 2025, and anyone wanting to object has until January 16, 2026 to speak up.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
15 ppm residue limit for rice
EPA set a time-limited legal limit (tolerance) of 15 parts per million (ppm) for chlorantraniliprole residues on rice, grain. The rule is effective November 17, 2025, and the tolerance expires December 31, 2028.
Use authorized only in Louisiana
EPA authorized the emergency FIFRA section 18 exemption for foliar use of chlorantraniliprole on rice specifically for Louisiana to control stem borer. This time-limited tolerance does not by itself authorize use on rice in any State other than Louisiana.
Residues applied lawfully remain lawful after expiry
Under FFDCA section 408(l)(5), residues of chlorantraniliprole not exceeding the 15 ppm tolerance that result from applications made lawfully under this emergency exemption will not be unlawful after the December 31, 2028 expiration date, provided the residues do not exceed the authorized level at the time of application.
EPA safety findings and exposure numbers
EPA evaluated risks and concluded chlorantraniliprole is "Not Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans," reduced the FQPA safety factor to 1X for infants and children, and found chronic dietary exposure under the tolerance to be below levels of concern. EPA used modeled drinking-water concentrations of 647 ppb (groundwater) and 97 ppb (surface water) in its assessment.
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