How are maximum residue levels set?

Published: 10 February 2026

When pesticides are used to protect plants from pests, we may find residues in food. These residues are assessed for possible health risks, and maximum residue levels are set to ensure our food is safe.

Who does what?

1 / 5

Member States

Industry

EFSA

European Commission

Council of the EU

European Parliament

1/5

Application for a new MRL

A company sends an application to the evaluating Member State for a new MRL corresponding to the specific conditions of use of the pesticide.

Applications must contain all required data, including residue field trials. The field trials are conducted on crops to determine the levels of pesticide residues after the pesticide is applied following the specific conditions of use on the label.

Draft evaluation report

The evaluating Member State evaluates the MRL application and writes a draft evaluation report.

Risk assessment

EFSA, together with Member States, peer reviews the draft evaluation report and publishes its risk assessment conclusions, the draft evaluation report and all background documents.

Decision to set a new MRL

If EFSA concludes that the new MRL is safe, the European Commission, together with Member States, proposes a Regulation on whether to amend the level in EU legislation.

EU legislation

This draft Regulation is submitted for scrutiny to the Council of the EU and to the European Parliament. If no objections are expressed, the European Commission adopts the Regulation on the new MRL.

Keeping Europe’s food safe

Food authorities in EU countries monitor pesticide residues on our food to ensure they do not exceed EU limits and take action to prevent them from posing a health risk.

How Europe ensures pesticides are safe