The current residue standard for chlorpropham (CIPC), which will probably only be lowered after the 2020 harvest, is no reason to postpone thorough cleaning of the storage warehouse. Belgapom emphasizes that potatoes processed into chips can be stored for up to 36 months.
There has been a European ban on the use of CIPC since this year. The sprout inhibitor may no longer be used during the storage of the coming potato harvest. To prevent cross-contamination in warehouses where CIPC has been used in the past, thorough cleaning of these warehouses is necessary. There is a European framework for this cleaning protocol drawn up.
Temporary residue standard
In the meantime, there is strong lobbying for the introduction of a temporary MRL (maximum residue limit) for CIPC. If this is not achieved, the current MRL of 10 ppm will be adjusted downwards to the standard limit value of 0,01 ppm. This means that no more than 0,01 mg of the drug may be present in one kilo of potatoes. An unworkable situation, with which an estimated 50% of the potatoes can no longer be processed.
Organizations in the potato chain across Europe have convinced the European body SCoPAFF to develop a transitional arrangement. This includes discussion of a temporary MRL between 0,3 and 0,5 ppm. The decision on this will not be made until September. BO Akkerbouw has already announced that the signals are green. And that any temporary MRL will probably only apply from storage season 2021.
Serious consequences
Until then, the current standard of 10 ppm will continue to apply in that scenario. However, this does not mean that CIPC can still be used, Belgapom emphasizes. This also does not eliminate the need to thoroughly clean the storage sheds. On the contrary, says the trade organization. BO Akkerbouw also indicated this earlier. Cross-contamination can have serious consequences for the various links in the chain.
Potatoes whose CIPC residue level exceeds the suspected temporary MRL (0,3 - 0,5 ppm) are processed into frozen fries. These can be stored for up to 36 months. Knowing that SCOPAFF wants to review the temporary MRL annually based on analyses, it is quite conceivable that frozen products will be on the market in 2 years' time with too high a CIPC content. This may mean that these products can no longer be sold and must therefore be destroyed.