As it now appears, the current residue standard for chlorpropham (CIPC) of 10 ppm will be maintained in the coming storage season. However, the European decision has yet to be taken.
Since 1 January, a European prohibition on the use of CIPC. Growers are no longer allowed to use the sprout inhibitor during the storage of the coming potato harvest. There is also a risk that the maximum residue limit will be adjusted downwards to the standard limit value of 0,01 ppm. Now this is still 10 ppm, which means that no more than 10 mg of the agent may be present in a kilogram of potatoes.
Effect has yet to be seen
According to the sector, the standard limit value results in an unworkable situation. After all, there is a high risk of cross-contamination in barns where CIPC has been used in the past. To what extent a thorough cleaning according to European protocol that can be prevented remains to be seen. A transition period is needed to prevent that - an estimated 50% of the potatoes can no longer be processed.
As planned, the file on CIPC was discussed last month within the European body SCoPAFF. Among other things, this talks about a temporary MRL (maximum residue limit) that is between 0,3 and 0,5 ppm. "According to science, a level in that range should be feasible," says André Hoogendijk, director of BO Akkerbouw. "However, in practice, that remains to be seen."
Need cleaning
According to the BO foreman, this is the reason that the sector is pressing for the temporary MRL to take effect after the coming storage season. "Growers will then be able to experience the effect of their cleaning measures on the residue level in the coming year. They can then make adjustments where necessary. Thorough cleaning of the storage sheds is therefore really necessary," emphasizes Hoogendijk.
The lobby towards the government is conducted by the Taskforce Germ Reduction, in which chain parties (cultivation, trade and processing) have united under the leadership of BO Akkerbouw. Hoogendijk considers it likely that the European Commission will come up with a proposal in September for a temporary MRL in the range of 0,3 to 0,5 ppm. And that this only applies from the 2021 storage season. At the same time, the final decision has not yet been taken and so the lobbying continues, also from the European umbrella organization. "It's not ready until it's done."
Dismantling takes time
If the expectations come true, the MRL will not return to the standard of 0,01 ppm for the time being. The current residue standard of 10 ppm will then apply until the temporary MRL comes into effect. Hoogendijk: "A temporary MRL is always agreed for a certain period, which is a maximum of 10 years. The expectation is that Europe will opt for 2 years first and an interim monitoring. The ultimate goal is to reduce the residue levels. We expect longer there. time, given the persistence of the substance."