EPA: Chalk on Your Food? No Pesticide Limits Needed!
Published Date: 8/17/2026
Rule
Summary
This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of calcium carbonate (CAS # 471-34-1), in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Columbia River Carbonates, submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of calcium carbonate in or on all food commodities, in accordance with the terms of the exemption.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tolerance Exemption for Calcium Carbonate
If you are an agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer, residues of calcium carbonate (CAS # 471-34-1) are exempt from the requirement of a pesticide tolerance in or on all food commodities when used according to label directions and good agricultural practices. This rule, effective August 17, 2026, eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible residue level for calcium carbonate.
EPA Declares Calcium Carbonate Safe
You should know EPA concluded that calcium carbonate residues do not pose risks of concern to the U.S. population, including infants and children, and therefore an exemption from tolerance is established effective August 17, 2026. EPA also determined the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) 10X safety factor for infants and children is not required for calcium carbonate based on the available toxicology data.
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