maximum residue level for pesticides

A maximum residue level (MRL) for pesticides is the highest amount of a pesticide residue that is legally allowed to remain in food and feed. MRLs are set to ensure that pesticide residues in food are safe for consumers, including vulnerable groups such as children, even when foods are eaten regularly.

EFSA plays a central scientific role in setting and reviewing MRLs. We assess toxicological data to determine safe exposure limits and evaluates how much of a pesticide consumers may be exposed to through their diet using food consumption data. EFSA then checks whether this estimated exposure remains below health-based guidance values, such as the Acceptable Daily Intake (for long-term exposure) and the Acute Reference Dose (for short-term exposure). Based on EFSA’s risk assessment, the European Commission and Member States decide on the legal MRLs. EFSA also regularly reviews existing MRLs and assesses proposed changes to ensure that pesticide residues in food continue to pose no risk to consumer health.