Emamectin is a non-approved active substance in GB. HSE has identified acute and chronic intake concerns for the current MRLs for lettuces and milk. As harmful effects for human health cannot be excluded, it is proposed to lower the specific MRL for emamectin/lettuces from 1 mg/kg to the limit of quantification of 0.01* mg/kg. For milk it is proposed to lower the MRL from 0.01* mg/kg to the Codex MRL (CXL) of 0.003 mg/kg. HSE also proposes to adopt the CXLs for Chinese cabbages and other leafy brassicas (0.2 mg/kg), spinaches (0.05 mg/kg), teas (0.1 mg/kg) and edible offals (0.1 mg/kg). Thiabendazole is an approved active substance in GB. HSE has identified acute and chronic intake concerns for the current MRL for birds eggs.
As harmful effects for human health cannot be excluded, it is proposed to lower the specific MRL for thiabendazole/birds eggs from 2 mg/kg to the CXL of 0.1 mg/kg. In addition, and to meet the requirements of international trade, new MRLs are also proposed to be adopted for mangoes, sweet potatoes and witloof/Belgian endives. View the draft reasoned opinion on HSE's website. The proposed date of adoption and publication of the new MRLs for emamectin and thiabendazole is 2 September 2025. The proposed date of entry into force of the new MRLs will be 6 months after the date of adoption and publication. To meet the UKâs international trade obligations, the measures have been notified to the World Trade Organization. On completion of this process, an update on the final MRLs agreed, along with the date of entry into force, will be communicated via HSEâs ebulletin service. Visit HSEâs website for more information and guidance on the MRL processes for GB. If you have any questions relating to this ebulletin, please contact us. | 
