US EPA Establishes Tolerances for Difenoconazole in or on Various Commodities

On June 3, 2021, the US EPA established tolerances for difenoconazole in or on various commodities. Objections and requests for hearing must be received on or before August 2, 2021.

Difenoconazole (CAS Number 119446-68-3) is a broad-spectrum fungicide used for disease control in many fruits, vegetables, cereals and other field crops. It is a sterol demethylation inhibitor which prevents the development of fungus by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis of cell membranes. It is slightly volatile, persistent in soil and in the aquatic environment. Difenoconazole exhibits low acute toxicity by the oral, dermal and inhalation routes of exposure but it is a very toxic to aquatic organisms.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes difenoconazole pesticide tolerances [40 CFR Part 180] because agricultural manufacturers have requested tolerances for difenoconazole in or on olive; olive with pit; black pepper; and Japanese persimmon. The EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data by considering its validity, completeness, and reliability, as well as the results of the studies on human risk. The EPA’s chronic dietary (food and drinking water) exposure assessments have included additional exposure from the import tolerances of these commodities.

In addition, the EPA seeks to harmonize US tolerances with international standards. The international maximum residue limits (MRLs) for difenoconazole that support the US tolerance decisions match the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CODEX) MRLs in/on olive, olive with pit and Japanese persimmon (the pome fruit group) and the European Union (EU) MRLs in/on peppercorn (black, green and white).
The EPA has published the difenoconazole tolerances in various commodities, as specified in Table 1.

Table 1
¹ There are no US registrations for these commodities.

This regulation is effective June 3, 2021. Objections and requests for hearing must be received on or before August 2, 2021 and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178.

What do these changes mean?

This update has the potential to affect agriculture producers, food manufacturers, and pesticide manufacturers. Any imported foods destined for the United States must not be found to contain difenoconazole at levels exceeding the tolerance limits. To ensure compliance with food safety regulations, food producers should seek professional advice.
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