Identify Where EU Pesticide MRL Changes Affect Your Supply Chain
Omnibus X, the EU’s proposed Food and Feed Safety Simplification Package, would change how the EU sets maximum residue levels (MRLs) for certain pesticide residues in imported food and feed. Under the proposal, some MRLs would be lowered to the limit of quantification (LOQ), known as technical zero, including limits supported by Codex Alimentarius standards or risk assessments from exporting countries.
On Sept. 30, 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted its negotiating position. It retained the technical-zero approach and expanded the scope to include certain pesticide substances linked to unacceptable risks to honeybees or groundwater. Negotiations with the European Parliament begin once Parliament adopts its position, and the Council aims for a provisional agreement by the end of 2026.
An October 2026 study from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) estimates $44.2 billion in annual agri-food trade from the Americas is exposed to the proposed changes, based on 2022-2024 trade values. The estimate describes trade exposure, not predicted losses or the impact on any one company.
Why Visibility Matters Now
Pesticide residue requirements differ from country to country. A residue meeting the requirements of the country of production might not meet those of the destination market. Regulatory teams need to know which requirements apply to each commodity, pesticide substance and market, and when they change. Quality teams need to know whether supplier records, residue data or test results indicate future MRL changes could affect compliance.
What the Guide Includes
Download the 10-page guide to:
- Score your team with the MRL Visibility Assessment, and identify gaps in market data, supplier evidence and review ownership
- Compare the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) and IICA trade studies, and learn why trade exposure is only a starting point for assessing actual risk
- See which EU MRL developments to monitor in 2027, including changes beyond Omnibus X
The score assesses information visibility, not product compliance.