Maximum Residue Limit (MRL)

A maximum residue limit (MRL) is the highest amount of an agricultural or veterinary (agvet) chemical residue that is legally allowed in a food product sold in Australia. This applies to imported food as well because it is for Australian consumers. 

In Australia, state and territory food regulatory agencies monitor and enforce the Food Standards Code including MRLs. They undertake surveillance programs for chemical residues in food and also monitor the use of chemicals by food producers and manufacturers. As a result of these programs, regulatory bodies protect public health and wellbeing.

The Department of Agriculture also monitors foods imported into Australia. These must meet Australian requirements for public health and safety and comply with national food standards including MRLs.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) sets maximum residue limits (MRLs) for agricultural and veterinary chemicals in agricultural produce for produce entering the food chain. These MRLs are set at levels that are not likely to be exceeded because the agricultural or veterinary chemicals are used as recommended. Normally, MRL tests results within limits but it may show high residue because chemicals are not used as recommended. Operators must follow chemical label instructions for use.

Acts and regulations:

A range of controls under Victorian legislation define direction for agricultural and veterinary chemicals use.
These controls are designed to:

• protect Victoria’s trade in livestock and agricultural products
• protect the health and welfare of animals, chemical users, the general public and the environment

Agriculture Victoria has valuable information for sampling. This includes following:

Sampling of fruit vegetable, fruit and grain.

General rules for sampling

Taking a sample of produce.

Fruits and nuts, Bulb, root and tuber vegetables, leafy vegetables, legume and stem vegetable.

Reference:

Codex Alimentarius Commission (1999). Recommended Methods of Sampling for the Determination of Pesticide Residues for Compliance with MRLs, CAC/GL 33-1999.

FAO (2016). Submission and evaluation of pesticide residues data for the estimation of maximum residue levels in food and feed.

Nav Labs has recently introduced testing of fruit and vegetable for MRL so that we can provide full service to our clients. For more information on testing of MRLs, please call Nav Labs Aus Laboratory Manager (Harjinder Singh).