Cyanide OK in Tiny Doses on Your Veggies, Says EPA
Published Date: 4/22/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA is updating rules about how much pesticide residue, including hydrogen cyanide, can safely stay on food. This affects farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies by confirming new safety limits to keep food safe and protect health. The new rules start April 22, 2026, and anyone wanting to challenge them has until June 22, 2026 to speak up.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Ethofumesate Tolerance Expiration Extended
EPA changed the expiration date for the ethofumesate tolerance for 'Beet, sugar, tops' from December 8, 2025 to October 19, 2026. EPA notes it sets a 180-day (about 6 months) interval after publication for lowered or revoked tolerances to let producers in exporting World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries adapt.
Hydrogen Cyanide Limit on Citrus
You should know that EPA set a legal limit of 50 parts per million (ppm) for hydrogen cyanide residues on Fruit, citrus, group 10-10. This tolerance is effective April 22, 2026 and compliance is measured by testing for hydrogen cyanide on the commodity.
New Tolerances Affecting Farmers and Food Makers
If you are an agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer, EPA finalized tolerance actions for multiple pesticides (hydrogen cyanide; 1-naphthaleneacetic acid; carboxin; ethofumesate; thiobencarb; propylene oxide) that take effect April 22, 2026. These actions establish or revise specific residue limits (parts per million) on listed commodities that businesses must meet.
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