Publication of Regulation (EU) N°2020/749 on chlorates

Regulation (EU) 2020/749 on maximum residue levels for chlorate has just been published in the OJEU.

Chlorates are banned in the EU and all authorizations for plant protection products containing them have been withdrawn following the publication of Decision 2008/865/EC.

No MRLs were set and therefore the default MRL of 0.01 mg/kg was applicable in all food and feed listed in Annex I of Regulation 396/2005 and its amendments.

Chlorate is also a substance obtained as a by-product from the use of chlorine-based disinfectants in the treatment of food and drinking water. The current situation, where chlorate residues are detectable in food, results from these uses.

EFSA recognized that it is currently not possible, despite the use of good practice, to achieve residue levels of chlorate that comply with the default MRL of 0,01 mg/kg.

In accordance with the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle, provisional MRLs were therefore set for chlorate taking account of these uses.

These MRLs apply from 28/06/2020.

Please note that our laboratory carries out the analysis of chlorates under COFRAC accreditation (Scope N°1-1904 available on the COFRAC website).

Do not hesitate to contact our customer service dedicated line +33 800 900 775 or by email service-clients@phytocontrol.com.