EPA Caps Bug Killer on Your Oranges and Limes
Published Date: 2/13/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA just set safe limits for the pesticide hexythiazox on lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges, especially in California, Arizona, and Texas. Farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies need to know these new rules start February 13, 2026, with a chance to raise concerns by April 14, 2026. This helps keep our fruits safe while letting growers protect their crops effectively.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
National lemon/lime residue limit set
The EPA established a national tolerance for hexythiazox residues on lemon/lime (subgroup 10-10B) at 0.6 parts per million (ppm). This tolerance is part of 40 CFR 180.448 and is effective February 13, 2026.
EPA: residues pose no harm to people
EPA concluded there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the U.S. general population, including infants and children, from aggregate exposure to hexythiazox residues. EPA reported the chronic dietary exposure for the most exposed subgroup (children 1-2 years old) at 86% of the chronic population adjusted dose (cPAD).
Regional orange/grapefruit tolerances (CA/AZ/TX)
EPA established regional tolerances for hexythiazox residues at 0.5 ppm for grapefruit (subgroup 10-10C) and orange (subgroup 10-10A) that apply only in California (CA), Arizona (AZ), and Texas (TX). The existing regional entry for fruit, citrus group 10-10 (CA, AZ, TX only) is removed from 40 CFR 180.448.
Enforcement testing limit and method provided
EPA identified an analytical enforcement method (Morse Laboratories Method No. Meth-220) for hexythiazox and metabolite PT-1-3, with a limit of quantitation of 0.02 ppm for hexythiazox in/on lemon and a molecular weight conversion factor of 1.55 for PT-1-3 to hexythiazox equivalents.
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