EPA Sets Permethrin Limits for Dragon Fruit and Arugula—Hungry Yet?
Published Date: 1/14/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA just set new safety limits for permethrin pesticide residues on dragon fruit, certain types of corn, and leafy greens like arugula. Farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies should take note because these changes start January 14, 2026. If anyone wants to challenge the rule, they have until March 16, 2026, to speak up—no extra costs announced, just clearer rules to keep food safe!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
EPA finds tolerances safe; children's safety factor set at 1X
EPA concluded there is a reasonable certainty of no harm to the general population and to infants and children from the established permethrin tolerances. The Agency continues to apply a reduced Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) safety factor of 1X rather than the default 10X and found no cumulative risks of concern for pyrethroids/pyrethrins.
New permethrin limits on specific crops
EPA established legal limits (tolerances) for permethrin residues on several crops effective January 14, 2026. The rule sets arugula at 50 parts per million (ppm), garden cress at 50 ppm, upland cress at 50 ppm, dragon fruit at 3 ppm, field corn subgroup 15-22C at 0.05 ppm, leafy greens subgroup 4-16A at 50 ppm, and sweet corn subgroup 15-22D at 0.1 ppm.
Dragon fruit tolerance set higher than requested
EPA established the dragon fruit (pitaya) permethrin tolerance at 3 ppm rather than the 1.5 ppm requested by the petitioner. The 3 ppm value is based on the OECD per-trial average MRL calculation.
Leafy greens tolerances increased and new crop listings
EPA converted crop groups and raised the tolerance level for leafy greens: the prior leafy greens subgroup 4A tolerance of 20 ppm is replaced by a 50 ppm tolerance for leafy greens subgroup 4-16A. EPA also established individual tolerances of 50 ppm for arugula, garden cress, and upland cress as part of the conversion.
Removal of some existing permethrin tolerances
As of January 14, 2026, EPA removes certain previously listed tolerances from 40 CFR 180.378. The rule removes tolerances for corn, field, grain at 0.05 ppm; corn, pop, grain at 0.05 ppm; leafy greens subgroup 4A at 20 ppm; lettuce, head at 20 ppm; spinach at 20 ppm; and corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with husks removed at 0.10 ppm.
U.S. tolerances differ from international Codex limits
EPA notes that U.S. tolerances are harmonized with Canada and Codex where feasible but may differ when U.S. field trial data require higher or lower limits. For example, EPA sets a tolerance for corn grain at 0.05 ppm while Codex lists 2 ppm for the same commodity.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10086 — Extending the Compliance Deadline for the PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels
The EPA is giving water systems more time to meet safety rules for two harmful chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, by extending the deadline from April 2029 to April 2031 if they ask for it. This helps water providers get ready without rushing, keeping our drinking water safe. The EPA wants your thoughts and will hold a public hearing in July 2026 to hear from everyone.
2026-10085 — Rescission of Regulatory Determinations and Removal of Related Provisions for Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS)
The EPA is proposing to undo its rules for four PFAS chemicals (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and a mix including PFBS) in drinking water because the original process wasn’t done right. This means public water systems won’t have to monitor or treat these chemicals for now. People and water providers should weigh in by July 20, 2026, and a virtual hearing happens July 7.
2026-09895 — Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category-Unmanaged Combustion Residual Leachate
The EPA is updating rules for steam electric power plants to better control dirty water leaking from leftover coal waste. This change affects existing power plants and is expected to save up to $1 billion a year while protecting water quality. Comments on the proposal are open until June 17, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-09524 — Begin Actual Construction in the New Source Review (NSR) Preconstruction Permitting Program
The EPA is updating rules about when companies can start building big projects that might affect air quality. Now, they can begin building parts that don’t release pollution before getting a full air permit, making things clearer and easier. This change mainly affects businesses planning major construction and could speed up projects without extra costs, but comments are due by June 29, 2026.
2026-09179 — Definition of Hazardous Waste Applicable to Corrective Action for Releases From Solid Waste Management Units; Withdrawal
The EPA has decided to cancel its plan to change the rules about what counts as hazardous waste for cleaning up pollution at certain waste sites. This means businesses and cleanup crews won’t have to deal with the confusing new rules that were proposed. The withdrawal takes effect immediately, so no extra costs or changes will happen right now.
2026-08750 — Extension of Postponement of Effectiveness for Certain Provisions of Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
The EPA is hitting the pause button again on some rules about a chemical called TCE, which is used in workplaces. This means certain limited uses of TCE won’t have to follow new restrictions just yet, while courts review the rules. If you work with TCE, this delay gives you more time before changes kick in, starting May 18, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00538 — Extension of Import Restrictions Imposed on Categories of Archaeological Material of Italy
The U.S. is extending import restrictions on certain ancient Italian artifacts until January 12, 2031. This means collectors, museums, and sellers need to keep following the rules to protect Italy’s cultural treasures. The new rule kicks in on January 14, 2026, keeping the fight against illegal artifact trading strong and steady.
Next: 2026-00566 — Pipeline Safety: Class Location Change Requirements
This new rule helps gas pipeline operators use smarter, modern safety checks when neighborhoods grow around their pipes. Instead of old-school methods, they can now use risk-based tools to decide if they need to adjust pipeline pressure, keeping everyone safer. The rule kicks in on March 16, 2026, and could save operators time and money while boosting safety.