Two plant viruses are now exempt from food residue limits in the US

US environmental regulators have exempted two specific plant viruses from the requirement to have a maximum permissible level in food. This means food products can contain residues of these two viruses without needing special testing or limits.

Every new substance used in food production must prove it is safe. This usually means establishing a "tolerance," a maximum amount of the substance allowed in food. This rule means these two specific viruses, used to protect plants from other diseases, do not need that tolerance. It makes it easier and cheaper for agricultural companies to use these biological controls.