On October 12, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established maximum residue levels (MRLs) for clothianidin.  The tolerances established for feed and food (other than those exceptions covered by higher tolerances) are 0.01 ppm.  Clothianidin belongs to the neonicotinoid class of insecticides which are chemically similar to nicotine.  It is used on a wide variety of crops including cotton, soybeans, potatoes, apples, and cereals.  Clothianidin poses low risk to humans or other mammals but is easily absorbed by non-target plants which are then foraged by honeybees.  According to the EPA, the major risk posed by clothianidin is to pollinators.  Neonicotinoids have been implicated in the decline of honeybee populations for several years.  Clothianidin is classified as “not likely to be carcinogenic to humans”.  Any objections to the established MRL must be made by December 13, 2021.

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Picture Credit Susanne Kuehne 

Posted on 28 October 2021