A common amino acid can now be used in pesticides without safety limits

US environmental regulators have exempted l-arginine, a common amino acid, from safety limits when used in pesticides on greenhouse cucumbers. This means pesticide manufacturers can use l-arginine as an "inert ingredient" without proving it is safe for human consumption.

Every ingredient in a pesticide needs a "tolerance," a maximum safe level for residues on food. This rule removes that requirement for l-arginine, a protein stabilizer. It makes it easier and cheaper for pesticide makers to use this specific ingredient in certain products.