# 2026-03368: EPA Caps Pesticide Residue on Black Pepper at 0.05 PPM

2026-03368, Imidacloprid; Pesticide Tolerance(s), is a Federal Register rule from Environmental Protection Agency published 2026-02-20, effective 2026-02-20 (as of 2026-06-11).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-03368
- As of: 2026-06-11
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-03368
- Title: Imidacloprid; Pesticide Tolerance(s)
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Environmental Protection Agency
- Citation: 91 FR 8095
- Published: 2026-02-20
- Effective: 2026-02-20
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-06-11

## In one line

EPA Caps Pesticide Residue on Black Pepper at 0.05 PPM

## Summary

The EPA just set a safe limit for imidacloprid pesticide residue on black pepper at 0.05 parts per million. This affects farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies who handle black pepper. The new rule kicks in on February 20, 2026, and anyone wanting to object has until April 21, 2026 to speak up.

## Abstract

This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of imidacloprid (CASRN 138261-41-3) in or on the food and feed commodities of black pepper at 0.05 parts per million (ppm). Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), the American Spice Trade Association submitted a petition to EPA requesting that EPA establish a maximum permissible level for residues of this pesticide in or on this commodities.

## Effects PRIA read

- 0.05 ppm Limit on Black Pepper: mixed, medium. The EPA set a legal tolerance for imidacloprid pesticide residue on black pepper at 0.05 parts per million (ppm). This action is identified as potentially affecting agricultural producers, food manufacturers, and pesticide manufacturers who handle black pepper.
- EPA Finds Aggregate Exposure Safe: benefit, medium. EPA concluded there is a reasonable certainty of no harm to the general U.S. population, including infants and children, from aggregate exposure to imidacloprid residues. EPA found acute exposure for children 1-2 years old is 86% of the acute population-adjusted dose (aPAD) and chronic exposure is…
- Tolerance Applies to Imported Black Pepper: mixed, low. EPA's related risk assessment and documents refer to residues in/on imported black pepper, and the rule notes that there are no U.S. registrations for imidacloprid on this commodity as of February 20, 2026. The tolerance establishes the maximum permissible residue for that commodity at 0.05 ppm.
- Deadline to Object or Request Hearing: cost, low. Any person may file an objection or request a hearing on this regulation, but objections and hearing requests must be received by the EPA Hearing Clerk on or before April 21, 2026 and must follow the instructions in 40 CFR part 178. The rule states failing to file within that period waives the righ…

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## Sources
- [2026-03368 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/20/2026-03368/imidacloprid-pesticide-tolerances)
- [2026-03368 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-02-20/pdf/2026-03368.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-03366, Pesticide Tolerances; Implementing Registration Review Decisions for Certain Pe…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-03366)
- [Next: 2026-03371, Pesticide Tolerances; Implementing Registration Review Decisions for Certain Pe…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-03371)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-03368 (as of 2026-06-11).