EPA Lets DMSO Into Pesticides Without Residue Limits
Published Date: 10/30/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA is giving a green light to use dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in certain pesticide products without setting strict residue limits. This change helps farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies by cutting red tape and making it easier to use DMSO safely on crops, animals, and food surfaces. The new rule kicks in on October 30, 2026, with a chance to raise concerns by December 29, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
No-tolerance use on growing crops
Starting October 30, 2026, residues of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, CAS Reg. No. 67-68-5) used as an inert solvent/co-solvent in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops and raw agricultural commodities after harvest are exempt from the requirement of a tolerance (no numeric residue limits will be set). This change removes the need to establish maximum permissible residue levels for those uses under 40 CFR 180.910.
Exemption for animal-applied formulations
As of October 30, 2026, DMSO (CAS 67-68-5) used as an inert solvent/co-solvent in pesticide formulations applied to animals is exempt from the requirement of a tolerance (no numeric residue limit) under 40 CFR 180.930. The exemption eliminates the requirement to establish a maximum permissible residue level for those animal uses.
Use allowed in food-contact sanitizers
Effective October 30, 2026, DMSO (CAS 67-68-5) is exempt from the requirement of a tolerance when used as an inert solvent/co-solvent in antimicrobial formulations applied to food-contact surfaces in public eating places, dairy-processing equipment, and food-processing equipment and utensils under 40 CFR 180.940(a). No numerical residue limit will be set for these food-contact uses.
No residue limits or enforcement testing required
The rule establishes the exemptions without any numerical residue limits for DMSO and states that an analytical enforcement method is not required for enforcement purposes because the exemption contains no numeric limitation. This takes effect October 30, 2026.
EPA finds low toxicity and no child-safety factor needed
EPA reviewed toxicity data and concluded DMSO has low acute and systemic toxicity (oral LD50 >7,920 mg/kg; dermal LD50 >40,000 mg/kg; inhalation LC50 >1,600 mg/m3) and identified systemic effects only at doses ≥1,100 mg/kg/day. EPA determined there are no toxicological endpoints of concern, no need for the additional 10X Food Quality Protection Act safety factor for infants and children, and that there is a reasonable certainty of no harm to the general population, including infants and children.
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