EPA Considers Looser Pesticide Rules on Produce
Published Date: 1/28/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA just announced it received new requests to change rules about pesticide leftovers on food. Farmers, food makers, and shoppers should pay attention because these changes could affect what’s allowed on fruits, veggies, and more. You’ve got until February 27, 2026, to share your thoughts before the EPA makes decisions that might impact food safety and farming costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Exemptions requested for three inert ingredients
Three companies have asked EPA to exempt specific inert pesticide ingredients from the requirement of a residue tolerance: (1) Oxirane, 2-phenyl-, polymer with oxirane, monooctyl ether, sulphosuccinated, disodium salt (min. average MW 1875 daltons) under 40 CFR 180.960; (2) 4-morpholinecarboxaldehyde as an inert solvent under 40 CFR 180.920; and (3) decarboxylated rosin (limited to 4% by weight) as a surfactant under 40 CFR 180.920. Petitioners state they believe no analytical method is needed because an exemption is requested. EPA is accepting public comment on these petitions through February 27, 2026.
Tolerance sought for fluxapyroxad on pennycress seed
BASF requested that EPA establish a maximum residue tolerance for the fungicide fluxapyroxad (including metabolites) on pennycress seed at 0.9 parts per million (ppm). The petitioner submitted validated analytical methods to measure fluxapyroxad. EPA is taking public comments on this petition until February 27, 2026.
Many crop tolerances sought for icafolin-methyl
Bayer requested tolerances for the herbicide icafolin-methyl (and a named metabolite) on many commodities at 0.02 ppm (most listed crops) and 0.03 ppm for almond hulls. Covered commodities include almond hulls; multiple barley, corn, wheat, and cereal groups; citrus, pome, stone, small vine fruit, rapeseed, soybeans, many legumes, and more. EPA is accepting public comment on this petition through February 27, 2026.
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Key Dates
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