EPA Doubles Pesticide Allowance on Juicy Strawberries
Published Date: 2/13/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA just doubled the allowed amount of afidopyropen pesticide residue on strawberries from 0.15 to 0.3 parts per million, making it official as of February 13, 2026. This change affects farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies by updating safety limits to keep food safe and regulations clear. If anyone wants to object or request a hearing, they have until April 14, 2026, to speak up.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Strawberry Residue Limit Doubled
If you run a strawberry farm, food processing business, or make pesticides, the legal limit for afidopyropen on strawberries was increased from 0.15 parts per million (ppm) to 0.3 ppm and made final on February 13, 2026. The rule also removes the prior time-limited tolerance at 0.3 ppm so the 0.3 ppm level is established in 40 CFR 180.700.
EPA Finds No Harmful Exposure
You are protected: EPA concluded there is a reasonable certainty of no harm to the U.S. general population and to infants and children from aggregate exposure to afidopyropen. EPA reported key exposure results such as 4.2% of the acute population-adjusted dose (aPAD) for females 13–49, 2.7% of the chronic PAD for the general U.S. population, and 6.3% of the chronic PAD for children 1–2 years old.
U.S.-Codex Harmonization Changed
EPA says the new U.S. strawberry tolerance of 0.3 ppm would change harmonization with the Codex Alimentarius because Codex’s current maximum residue limit (MRL) for strawberry remains at 0.15 ppm. This change in harmonization status is noted in the rule.
Children Safety Margin Reduced
EPA reduced the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) safety factor for afidopyropen from 10X to 1X for all exposure scenarios, saying reliable data support that reduction. The change was made as part of EPA’s safety determination for infants and children.
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