EPA Takes Four Months to Announce Pesticide Requests
Published Date: 12/15/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA just announced new requests to change rules about pesticide leftovers on foods like fruits and veggies. Farmers, food makers, and shoppers should pay attention because these changes could affect what’s allowed on your food. You’ve got until January 14, 2026, to share your thoughts before any decisions are made!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New Tolerance Request: Tolfenpyrad on Pods
The IR-4 Project requested a new tolerance in 40 CFR 180.675 for residues of tolfenpyrad (including metabolites and degradates) in or on the vegetable, legume, bean, edible podded, subgroup 6-22A. The petitioner states an LC/MS/MS enforcement method exists to measure tolfenpyrad residues.
Quinoxyfen Tolerances for Fruit
Nissan Chemical requested tolerances for the fungicide quinoxyfen at 0.20 parts per million (ppm) on pome fruit (group 11-10) and 0.70 ppm on stone fruit (group 12-12). The petitioner provided an LC/MS/MS analytical method for measuring quinoxyfen residues for enforcement.
Sulfur Dioxide Tolerance for Figs
IR-4 requested a tolerance in 40 CFR 180.444 for residues of sulfur dioxide (determined as SO2) on raw agricultural figs at 1.5 parts per million (ppm). An LC-MS/MS enforcement method is noted for measuring sulfite residues.
Fluxapyroxad Tolerance for Pennycress Seed
BASF requested a tolerance for residues of the fungicide fluxapyroxad (including metabolites and degradates) in or on pennycress seed at 0.9 parts per million (ppm). Independently validated analytical methods to measure fluxapyroxad residues were submitted.
Cinnamaldehyde Exemption Up to 100 ppm
A petitioner requested to amend an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for cinnamaldehyde when used as a pesticide inert ingredient (preservative/stabilizer) under 40 CFR 180.910, not to exceed 100 parts per million (ppm). The petitioner stated no analytical method is needed for the exemption.
Phosphatidylcholine Exemption for Animal Contraceptives
A petitioner requested an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of phosphatidylcholine when used as a pesticide inert ingredient (adjuvant/carrier) in contraceptive formulations applied to listed animal types including equine, cervid, bovine, porcine, pinniped, elephant, raccoon, feral dog, and feral cat. The petitioner stated no analytical method is needed for an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.
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