US environmental regulators remove residue limits for a common fruit fumigant

US environmental regulators have removed the requirement for setting maximum residue levels of ethyl formate on citrus, kiwifruit, and table grapes. This means growers can use this fumigant without needing to track how much of it remains on the fruit when it reaches consumers.

Every chemical used on food must prove it is safe. For decades, this has meant setting a maximum allowable amount, or "tolerance," for residues left on crops. Removing this requirement for ethyl formate means regulators are confident that any amount of the chemical left on these fruits is harmless. This simplifies the process for growers and chemical companies.