On February 11, 2025, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) proposed to amend the existing “Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for Potassium Phosphonates in Apricots and Cherries”.The key points are as follows:
- MRLs for potassium phosphonates increased to 50 mg/kg for apricots and 80 mg/kg for cherries;
- The new residue definition is "Phosphonic acid and its salts, expressed as phosphonic acid," in the commodities under assessment with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.1 mg/kg;
- EFSA confirmed that the new MRLs pose no risk to consumer health, as long-term exposure remains within the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 1 mg/kg body weight;
- Processing studies show no significant residue concentration in products like nectar and jam;
- New MRLs align with the joint MRL review for fosetyl and phosphonates, but some limits remain tentative under Regulation (EU) 2024/2411;
- The modification has been approved and will be implemented through Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2619, which will supersede Regulation (EU) 2022/1324.
The rule is effective from April 29, 2025.
To view the complete regulation, check out the Food News Monitoring System