The final rule, published in the US Federal Register by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), increases tolerance levels for residues of the pesticide for a range of crops and fruits, including the antioxidant-rich pomegranate.
Based on an evaluation of toxicity data submitted as part of Dow’s petition, EPA set tolerance levels for residues of the insecticide methoxyfenozide per se; benzoic acid, 3-methoxy-2-methyl-, 2-(3,5-dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl) hydrazide in or on fruit, citrus, group 10 at 10 ppm and citrus oil at 100 ppm with regional registrations; and pea, dry seed at 2.5 ppm; pomegranate at 0.6 ppm; corn, pop, grain at 0.05 ppm; and corn, pop, stover at 125 ppm.
EPA said food manufacturers are likely to be affected by this action. To access the notice in the Federal Register, click here.