A common pesticide ingredient no longer needs safety limits on food
What happened
US environmental regulators have exempted a specific chemical mixture, fatty acids C16-18 and C18-unsatd., from safety limits when used in pesticides. This means pesticide manufacturers can now use this ingredient on crops without having to prove its residues are below a maximum safe level.
Why it matters
Every chemical used in pesticides must meet safety standards, usually by setting a maximum residue level allowed on food. This exemption means that for this particular ingredient, regulators have decided no such limit is needed. It makes it easier and cheaper for companies to formulate pesticides using this specific chemical.
The signal
Watch for an increase in pesticide formulations listing this specific chemical as an inert ingredient, particularly in products applied pre- and post-harvest.