Proposals to Amend the New 
Zealand (Maximum Residue 
Levels for Agricultural 
Compounds) Food Notice  
New Zealand  Food Safety Discussion  Paper  No: 2023/01 
Prepared for public consultation  
by New Zealand Food Safety  
ISBN No: 978-1-991080 -38-7 (online)  
ISSN No:  2624 -0157 (online)   
17 April 2023 
 
 
Disclaimer  
 
While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this publication is accurate, the  
Ministry for Primary Industries  does not accept any responsibility or liability for error of fact, omission, 
interpretation or opinion that may be present, nor  for the consequences of any decisions based on  
this information.  
 
 
This publication is also available on the Ministry for Primary Industries  website at  
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/news -and-resources/publications/   
 
 
© Crown Copyright - Ministry for Primary Industrie s 
i Contents  Page 
 
1 Request for submissions  1 
2 Introduction  2 
2.1 Establishing Maximum Residue Levels  2 
2.2 Summary of Proposed Amendments  6 
3 Proposals  7 
3.1 Proposal to set MRLs for flumetsulam  7 
3.2 Proposal to amend the MRLs for foramsulfuron  8 
3.3 Proposal to amend the MRLs for mefentrifluconazole  10 
3.4 Proposal to amend the MRLs for spinetoram  11 
3.5 Proposal to amend the MRLs for tetraniliprole  15 
3.6 Proposal to set MRLs for thiencarbazone -methyl  16 
3.7 Proposal to set entries for aniseed oil, menthol, and sassafras oil in Schedule 3  17 
3.8 Proposal to set an entry for luteinising hormone (LH) in Schedule 3  17 
  
New Zealand  Food Safety  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice • 1 1 Request for s ubmissions  
New Zealand Food Safety  invites public comment on this discussion document, which 
outlines proposals to amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural 
Compounds) Food Notice  (Notice) . 
 
For each compound  you are commenting on, please clearly answer the following q uestions.  
 
Do you agree or disagree with the proposed addition, amendment or deletion?  
 
For compounds listed in Schedule 1 , do you agree or disagree with the proposed 
MRL (s)?  
 
For compounds listed in Schedule s 2 or 3, do you agree or disagree with the listing or 
the conditions?  
 
Please feel free to include with your answers above, any supporting discussion, data or 
examples that you feel are relevant.  
 
Submissions close at 5 pm on  16 June 2023 . Your c omments should be  sent to:  
MRL Amendments  
New Zealand Food Safety  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email: MaximumResidueLevels@mpi.govt.nz . 
Please include your name and address on your submission. If you are making comments on 
behalf of an organi sation, also include your title and the name of the organisation.  
Please make sure your comments can be clearly read, as a number of copies of your 
submission may be made.  
 
The Official Information Act  
The Official Information Act 1982 (the OIA) states that information is to be made available 
unless there are grounds for withholding it. The grounds for withholding information are 
outlined in the OIA.  Submitters may wish to indicate any grounds for withh olding information 
contained in their submission.  Reasons for withholding information could include that 
information is commercially sensitive or that the submitters wish personal information such 
as names or contact details to be withheld. The Ministry f or Primary Industries  will take such 
indications into account when determining whether to release information.  Any decision to 
withhold information requested under the OIA may be reviewed by the Ombudsman.  
   
2 • Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice  New Zealand Food Safety  2 Introduction  
Agricultural compounds are natural  or synthetic substances used in the  direct  management 
of plants and animals , and include all agricultural chemicals (e.g. fungicides, herbicides, and 
insecticides) , veterinary medicines, and other compounds used to maintain plant and animal 
health and pro ductivity.  Growers and farmers use these agricultural compounds to manage 
disease in animals and crops, protect the food supply, and maximise the quantity and quality 
of the food they grow.  
Agricultural compound  use can leave residues in the food harvested  from treated crops and 
animals. To manage these residues, it is important to ensure that only the lowest  amount of 
an agricultural compound is used to consistently achieve its intended purpose . This will leave 
the smallest amount of residue practicable wi thout compromising the compound’s efficacy. 
The set  of principles and methods used to manage that balance is known as good 
agricultural practice (GAP) . These principles apply to  the production of safe and good quality 
horticultural , agricultural,  and anima l products.  Maximum residue levels (MRLs) are then 
established for each compound/food commodity combination by evaluating the residues left 
in food commodities as a result of the highest authorised GAP use (the ‘critical GAP’).  This 
value is compared agai nst the health -based guidance value before a maximum level of 
agricultural compound residue allowable in that food commodity is set. How the MRLs are 
determined, and how they are used once they have been set, are explained in more detail 
below.   
MRLs are the maximum legal levels for residues of agricultural compounds permitted in food 
for sale in New Zealand. They are established based on domestic uses of a particular 
compound and are used to monitor GAP compliance in New Zealand while ensuring food 
safety . Because they are based on New Zealand authorised uses according to domestic 
GAP, MRLs may differ from those established overseas for a similar use because their GAP 
may be different.  However, as noted below, imported food can also comply with Codex 
MRLs . 
To meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary Measures (the SPS Agreement) , proposals for new and amended MRLs are 
notified to the World Trade Organization. Any country may choose to comment if the y believe 
a proposed MRL represents a barrier to their trade.  
2.1 Establishing Maximum Residue Levels  
2.1.1 Regulatory Structure  
MRLs  are the maximum legal levels of agricultural compound residues permitted in food for 
sale in New Zealand and are set out in the Noti ce. Th e Notice is updated up to four times a 
year to reflect changes in the use of agricultural compounds in the production of food. The 
Notice is available from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) New Zealand Food Safety 
website at: https://www.mpi. govt.nz/dmsdocument/19550 -maximum -residue -levels -for-
agricultural -compounds .  
New Zealand Food Safety administers the Notice, with the final decision on any changes to 
the Notice resting with the Director -General of MPI. The Notice is issued under section 405 
of the Food Act 2014. When setting or amending MRLs, the Director -General must follow, as 
far as practicable, international best practice on dietary intake assessment and setting of 
maximum residue  levels.  The requirements for the content of the Notice are set out in Part 6 
of the Food Regulations 2015  (the Food Regulations) , allowing for the setting  of MRLs for 
agricultural compounds as well as specifying compounds to which no MRL applies .   
New Zealand  Food Safety  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice • 3 In addition to establishing the requirements for domestically produced foods, Part 6 of the 
Food Regulations  also outlines the residue level  compliance requirements for imported 
foods. Regulation  144 states that food must not contain residues of agricultural compounds  
unless the residue level does not exceed : 
- the MRLs specified for that food in a notice set under the Food Act 2014 
(regulation  144(1)(a)); or  
- the default MRL of 0.1 mg/kg ( regulation  144(1)(c)); or  
- for imported food, the current editions of either the Maximum Residue Limits 
(MRLs) and Extraneous Maximum Residue Limits (EMRLs) for Pesticides (Codex 
Pesticides Residues in Food Onli ne Database), or the Maximum Residue Limits 
for Veterinary Drugs in Food (Codex Veterinary Drug Residue in Food Online 
Database) ( regulation  144(1)(d)).  
These provisions allow for New Zealand Food Safety to set MRLs for imported food 
commodities when such levels are required. As imported food commodities can comply with 
either a Codex MRL or a MRL established in the Notice, New Zealand’s obligations under the 
SPS Agreement are met.  
On the whole, the  Food  Regulations allow for the management of residues in all foods 
consumed in New Zealand.  
2.1.2 Determining Maximum Residue Levels  
The first step in determining MRLs for an agricultural compound is establishing GA P for the 
use of the compound in the target species or crop. New Zealand Food Safety establishes 
GAP by evaluating  efficacy, crop safety, and animal health and safety for the range of 
treatments and use patterns  approved and proposed for each compound . Onc e GAP has 
been established for an agricultural compound, the residues resulting from the highest 
authorised dose or application rate  and use pattern, which is likely to give rise to the highest 
residues (the ‘critical GAP’)  is then used to determine the  MRLs in food commodities from  
treated  crops  and animals.   
Although the primary function of MRLs is to ensure conformance with established New 
Zealand GAP, the MRLs also play a role in managing dietary exposure and risks to trade in 
food commodities. To ensur e the MRLs will effectively manage residues related to those 
risks, a national estimated daily intake or NEDI calculation is conducted to evaluate 
consumption risk and a review of all international MRLs for the compound/commodity 
combinations being conside red is completed to evaluate trade risk. If it is found that the MRL 
being considered may pose a food safety or trade risk, the proposed MRL is not progressed.   
Where it has been determined that MRLs can be set, those MRLs are proposed for inclusion 
in the Notice for approved or proposed agricultural compound uses . For veterinary 
medicines, MRLs may be proposed for animal products from a specific species (e.g., ca ttle, 
chicken) or a species group (e.g., mammalian, poultry) depending on the residue and 
metabolism profile of the agricultural compound being considered. Similarly, for agricultural 
chemicals, an MRL may be set for an individual crop or crop product (e.g ., avocados, wheat 
grains) or for a crop grouping (e.g., pome fruits). When it has been determined that assigning 
an MRL to a crop grouping is appropriate, the grouping used aligns with the Codex 
classifications of foods and animal feeds.  
For agricultural chemicals used on a crop from which both food and animal feed commodities 
are derived, MRLs are proposed for both the food commodities intended for human 
consumption from the treated crop, and animal commodities for the species or species group 
to which th e feed commodity is fed. If the compound for which the MRLs are set is also used 
as a veterinary medicine, all approved veterinary and agricultural chemical uses are  
4 • Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice  New Zealand Food Safety  considered when setting the animal commodity MRLs. If an agricultural chemical is used on 
a crop from which only animal feed is harvested (e.g., pasture, fodder crops), only animal 
commodity MRLs will be proposed.   
2.1.3 Estimating Chronic Dietary Exposure   
National estimated daily intake  
The objective of the  estimated chronic dietary exposure  is to determine whether residues in 
food commodities will pose an unacceptable risk to consumers as a result of the authorised 
use of an agricultural compound according to established GAP. This exposure is estimated 
by calculating the national estimated daily i ntake (NEDI) in accordance with the Guidelines 
for predicting dietary intake of pesticide residues (revised) [World Health Organization, 1997] . 
The NEDI calculation uses the total residues in food derived from all New Zealand authorised 
uses of an agricult ural compound, including all toxicologically significant residues, and 
regional dietary consumption data derived from the 1997 National Nutritional Survey for 
adults and the 1995 National Nutrition Survey of Australia for children . The calculated NEDI 
is then compared with the health based guidance value (HBGV) associated with the 
compound; if the total residues derived from all uses of the agricultural compound is 
estimated to be less than the HBGV, the dietary exposure is unlikely to pose a health risk to  
consumers.   
Health Based Guidance Values  
The HBGV used in determining the estimated dietary exposure may be either a Potential 
Daily Exposure (food) (PDE (food)) or an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). The ADI and PDE (food) 
are largely equivalent as they are  determined using the same set of toxicology data and 
through a very similar scientific proces s. Both values are reported as milligrams of compound 
per kilogram bodyweight per day (mg/kg bw/d).  
A PDE (food) is a value determined by a toxicological evaluatio n by the New Zealand 
Environmental Protection Authority (NZ EPA) as part of its responsibility for managing public 
health under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996.  A PDE (food) gives the 
potential daily exposure  to a substance that  a perso n may be subject to via food, and is the 
food-specific part of a set of values for different exposure pathways comprising the NZ EPA’s 
assessment of acceptable daily exposure (ADE) for an agricultural compound.  
An ADI is defined by the World Health Organi zation (WHO) as “the daily intake which, during 
an entire lifetime, appears to be without appreciable risk on the basis of all the known facts at 
the time”. “Without appreciable risk” has been further defined as: “the practical certainty that 
injury will n ot result even after a lifetime of exposure”. ADIs are established by the WHO and 
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations joint expert committees, 
which are made up of toxicologists and residue specialists. The ADI information from th ese 
joint committees also feeds into the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), which sets 
international MRLs.  
New Zealand Food Safety uses the PDE (food) set by the NZ EPA as the HBGV for the 
estimation of dietary exposure when one is available. If there is no PDE (food), the NEDI  is 
compared with an ADI set by the WHO/FAO joint expert committees, the Australian 
Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, the European Food Safety Authority, or 
another regulatory authority. If none of these are available,  the HBGV used will be a New 
Zealand Food Safety -determined ADI.    
New Zealand  Food Safety  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice • 5 2.1.4 International MRLs and Trade  
Because  New Zealand MRLs are based on domestic GAP, they may differ from th e MRLs  
established overseas  for the use of the same compound in the same target spec ies or crop if 
the GAP used to set those MRLs are different. To ensure the New Zealand MRLs will not 
unduly impact trade, the MRLs set by Codex and a selection of other international regulatory 
bodies  are reviewed to evaluate trade risk.  
For animal commodities, the MRLs set by Australia, Canada, China, Codex, the European 
Union, Japan, and the U nited States  are commonly  reviewed and compared; for horticultural 
commodities, MRLs set by Codex and Australia are commonly  reviewed and compared. 
Other international MRLs  may also be  reviewed and compared if there is a particular trade 
risk to be considered for those regions  for any exported commodity .  
Where there are relevant international MRLs to be considered in the trade assessment for 
the proposal, these are included in a table in the “Relevant International MRLs” section of 
each proposal entry. This table includes all MRLs for the agricultural compound/food 
commodity combinations for which new or amended New  Zealand MRLs are being 
proposed; international MRLs for other commodities for which New Zealand MRLs already 
exist are not included. If there are no MRLs set by an international authority for a particular 
compound/commodity combination, the authority is n ot listed in the table.  
2.1.5 Agricultural Compounds for Which No Maximum Residue Level Applies   
Not all agricultural compounds require an MRL to manage their use in crops or animals . This 
may be because there are no residues present due to the  properties of th e compound  such 
as rapid elimination from the plant, animal, or their environment,  or because there are no 
food safety or trade risk s associated with the residues that are present. Regulation  141 of the 
Food Regulations allow s for the listing of specified compounds that fit these criteria as 
agricultural chemicals or veterinary medicines for which no MRL applies. These compounds 
are listed in Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 of the Notice, respectively , and the conditions of 
listing can be set for a particular use , a particular animal or crop, or general use as an 
agricultural chemical or veterinary medicine .  
Agricultural chemicals and veterinary medicines being considered for listing as compounds 
for which no MRL applies undergo a similar scientific assessment of  their use  as that 
undertaken for MRL assessment. This assessment is done in accordance with international 
methodologies published by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development 
(OECD), International Cooperation on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for 
Registration of Veterinary Medicinal Products (VICH), or FAO. It includes establishing the 
GAP use of the compound, the relevant metabolism and residue information, and the 
potential risks posed to public health and trade. Th e assessment m ay also include an 
assessment of dietary exposure when considered necessary to fully assess the risks.  
Where New Zealand Food Safety has determined that a n MRL is not required, the compound 
is proposed for listing in Schedule 2  (for agricultural chemicals ) or Schedule 3 (for veterinary 
medicines) with conditions on their use to ensure the listing applies only to those situations 
that have been evaluated. If a compound listed in Schedule 2 or 3 is used in a way that does 
not meet the specified condition, th e default MRL of 0.1 mg/kg will apply  to food derived from 
treated plants  or animals. Each proposal for inclusion in Schedule 2 or 3 includes a 
discussion of the rationale behind the considerations for listing , and a discussion of the 
assessed risks  and pr oposed conditions .   
6 • Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice  New Zealand Food Safety  2.2 Summary of Proposed Amendments  
The proposed MRLs have been thoroughly assessed in accordance with international 
methodologies published by the O ECD , VICH, or FAO . Information on the technical 
assessment of each proposal is included in this document (refer section 3) and covers:  
• the new or amended entry proposed for inclusion in the Notice;  
• the rationale  for the new entry or amendment being proposed ; 
• New Zealand good agricultural practice  for the compound and target crop or s pecies ; 
• the relevant residues information  used in determining the proposed MRLs ; 
• a summary of the dietary risk and public health assessment ; and 
• the MRLs set by Codex and other authorities  that are relevant to the new or amended 
entry.  
Where an existing en try is proposed for revision, new or revised entry content is listed  in bold 
print, and  content proposed for removal is  identified by a strikethrough.  
The MRL compliance and dietary risk assessment residue definitions are included in the 
residues informat ion section of the proposal. The HBGV used to compare to the NEDI 
calculation and determine the potential public health risk is included in the dietary risk and 
public health assessment section of the proposal.  
2.2.1 Amendments to Schedule 1 : Maximum Residue Le vels for Agricultural Compounds  
MPI proposes to make the following changes to Schedule 1 of the Notice:  
• A new entry for flumetsulam , to set MRLs at 0.01 mg/kg in cereal grains, 0.1 mg/kg 
in eggs, 0.01 mg/kg in mammalian meat, 0.1 mg/kg in mammalian offal, 0.01 mg/kg in 
milk, 0.1 mg/kg in poultry meat, and 0.1 mg/kg in poultry offal;  
• Amendment of the entry for foramsulfuron , to set new MRLs at 0.01 mg/kg in 
mammalian meat, mammalian fat, mammalian offal, and milk, and to delete the MRL 
for maize;  
• Amendment o f the entry for mefentrifluconazole , to set new MRLs at 0.07 mg/kg for 
grapes and 0.15 mg/kg for pome fruits;  
• Amendment of the entry for spinetoram , to set new MRLs at 0.01 mg/kg for maize, 
0.02 mg/kg in milk, 0.15 mg/kg in milk fats, 0.01 mg/kg in poultry  meat, offal, and 
eggs, and 0.01 mg/kg in sweetcorn; amend the mammalian fat description to exclude 
milk fats and increase the MRL to 0.5 mg/kg; and to combine the mammalian kidney 
and liver MRLs into a single mammalian offal with an increase to 0.03 mg/kg ; 
•  Amendment of the entry for tetraniliprole , to set a new MRL at 0.3 mg/kg for stone 
fruits; and  
• A new entry for thiencarbazone -methyl , to set MRLs at 0.01 mg/kg for mammalian 
meat, mammalian fat, mammalian offal, and milk.  
2.2.2 Amendment to Schedule 3: Veter inary Medicines  for which No Maximum Residue Level 
Applies  
• The addition of three new entries, for aniseed oil, menthol, and sassafras oil, when 
used as topical liniments on horses.  
• The addition of a new entry for luteinising hormone (LH), when used to manage 
reproduction in ruminants.  
   
New Zealand  Food Safety  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice • 7 3 Proposals  
3.1 Proposal to set MRLs for flumetsulam  
It is proposed that  a new  MRL  entry for flumetsulam  is added to the Food Notice to support 
the GAP use of the compound in wheat and barley. Because these crops can be used as 
animal feed, the proposal also includes mamm alian and poultry commodity MRLs.  
The new entry in Schedule 1 of the Notice will read:  
Compound 
Common Name  CAS#  Residue to which the 
maximum residue level 
applies  Food  Maximum Residue 
Level (mg/kg)  
Flumetsulam  98967 -40-9 Flumetsulam  Cereal grains  
Eggs  
Mammalian meat  
Mammalian offal  
Milk 
Poultry meat  
Poultry offal  0.01(*)  
0.1 
0.01 
0.1 
0.01 
0.1 
0.1 
(*) indicates that the maximum residue level has been set at or about the limit of analytical quantification.  
3.1.1 Amendment Rationale  
The proposed MRLs are to support a new use  for selective broadleaf weed control in wheat 
and barley. Flumetsulam is currently  approved for selective broadleaf control in new and 
established pasture, chicory, clover, lucerne and maize . The new animal commodity MRLs will 
support the existing GAP of flumetsulam in animal feeds uses while facilitating the GAP of the 
compound in whea t and barley.  
3.1.2 Good Agricultural Practice  
Flumetsulam is a triazolopyrimidine herbicide . The proposed new use  is for selective broadleaf 
weed control in wheat and barley  at a rate of up to 50 gai/ha as a single application any time 
after planting up to the  end of tillering.  A WHP of 28 days is supported as G AP for grain and 
animal feed.  
The current GAP use for selective broadleaf control in new and established pasture, chicory, 
clover, lucerne and maize has been approved for many years  with a withholding period of 14 
days for grazing treated crops or pasture.  
3.1.3 Residue Information  
The residue data for the use of  flumetsulam  on wheat and barley were  sufficient to conclude 
that, when used according to the proposed GAP, residues of flumetsulam should not exceed 
0.01 mg/kg  in the crop grouping ‘cereal grains’.  
The residue data in cereals, together with previously supplied data for existing uses, are 
sufficient to establish MRLs for animal commodities at 0.1 mg/kg for mammalian offal, 0.01 
mg/kg for mammalian meat, 0.01 mg/kg for mammalian milk, and 0.1 mg/kg in poultry meat, 
poultry offal, and eggs. It is considered these levels will support both GAP an d trade 
according to the proposed use of the compound in all animal commodities.  
The current residue definitions remain appropriate. For GAP compliance and dietary intake 
estimation in plant and animal commodities, the residue definition is ‘flumetsulam’.   
3.1.4 Dietary Risk Assessment  
The HBGV  of 0.05  mg/kg bw/d was considered appropriate for use in the assessment.   
8 • Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice  New Zealand Food Safety  Based on the residue profile expected in food from  crops treated with flumetsulam according 
to New Zealand GAP, the NEDI is estimated to total less  than 0.7% of the HBGV.  
New Zealand Food Safety  has therefore determined that the use of flumetsulam  on cereal 
crops in accordance with  the GAP specified above , and complying with the  proposed  MRLs, 
is unlikely to pose any health risks from authorised use.  
3.1.5 Relevant International MRLs  for Flumetsulam  
Authority  Food                                                                         Maximum Residue Level 
(mg/kg)  
Australia  Barley  
Edible offal (mammalian)  
Eggs  
Maize  
Meat (mammalian)  
Milks  
Oats  
Poultry meat  
Poultry, edible offal of  
Rye 
Triticale  
Wheat  0.05 
0.3 
0.1 
0.05 
0.1 
0.1 
0.05 
0.1 
0.1 
0.05 
0.05 
0.05 
Japan  Barley  
All mammalian fat  
All mammalian kidney  
All mammalian liver  
All mammalian muscle  
All mammalian edible offal  
Milk 
Other cereal grains  
Rye 
Wheat  0.05 
0.1 
0.3 
0.3 
0.1 
0.3 
0.1 
0.05 
0.05 
0.05 
3.2 Proposal to amend the MRLs for foramsulfuron   
It is proposed that  new MRL s are set for foramsulfuron in mammalian meat, fat, offal, and 
milk to support the GAP use of the compound in  fodder and sugar beets used as animal 
feed. The previously approved MRL for this compound, in maize, is also being proposed for 
deletion.  
The revised entry in Schedule 1 of the Notice will read:  
Compound 
Common Na me CAS#  Residue to which the 
maximum residue level 
applies  Food  Maximum Residue 
Level (mg/kg)  
Foramsulfuron  173159 -57-4 Foramsulfuron  Maize  
Mammalian meat  
Mammalian fat  
Mammalian offal  
Milk 0.01(*)  
0.01 
0.01 
0.01 
0.01 
(*) indicates that the maximum residue level has been set at or about the limit of analytical quantification.  
3.2.1 Amendment Rationale  
The new MRLs are being proposed to support the GAP use of foramsulfuron to control weeds 
in fodder and sugar beet crops inten ded for use as animal feed by managing residues in animal 
commodities.   
New Zealand  Food Safety  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice • 9 The deletion of the maize MRL is  being proposed because the compound has not been 
approved for use in maize since 2012.  A foramsulfuron MRL for maize is  therefore no longer 
required to  manage the GAP use of the compound in New Zealand.   
3.2.2 Good Agricultural Practice  
Foramsulfuron is a pyrimidinyl sufonyl urea herbicide which acts by inhibiting the enzyme 
acetolactate synthase (ALS). Inhibiti ng ALS blocks protein synthesis and thereby plant  growth 
and survival.  
The proposed use of this compound is two applications of 15 gai in 200 -300L water/ha, at the 
beginning of the weed flush when the crop is at the 2 -4 leaf stage, and repeated 10 -14 days 
later when the crop has up to 8 leaves. This use  attracts a pre -grazing and -harvest interval of 
70 days.  
3.2.3 Residue Information  
The residue data for the use of foramsulfuron on fodder and sugar beets are sufficient to 
conclude that, when used according to the proposed GAP, residues of foramsulfuron should 
not exceed 0.01 mg/kg in any animal commodities.   
The proposed residue definition for MRL conformance and GAP compliance for animal 
commodities is ‘foramsulfuron’ as per the previous MRL residue definition for maize. The 
proposed resi due definition for dietary intake estimation for animal commodities is 
‘foramsulfuron and its metabolite AE F153745’ .   
3.2.4 Dietary Risk Assessment  
The HBGV  of 0.35 mg/kg bw/d was considered appropriate for use in the assessment.  
Based on the residue profile expected in food from  animals that have consumed feed treated 
with foramsulfuron according to GAP, the NEDI is estimated to total less than 0.02% of the 
HBGV.  
New Zealand Food Safety  has therefore determined that the use of foramsulfuron on fodder 
and suga r beet crops in accordance with  the GAP specified above , and complying with the  
new animal commodity MRLs, is unlikely to pose any health risks from authorised use.   
3.2.5 Relevant International MRLs  for Foramsulfuron  
Authority  Food                                                                         Maximum Residue Level 
(mg/kg)  
European Union  All mammalian commodities including milk  0.01 
 
   
10 • Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice  New Zealand Food Safety  3.3 Proposal to amend the MRLs for mefentrifluconazole  
It is proposed that  two new mefentrifluconazole MRL s are set to support a change in the 
GAP use of the compound in apples and pears, as the crop grouping ‘pome fruits’, and in 
grapes.   
The revised entry in Schedule 1 of the Notice will read:  
Compound 
Common Name  CAS#  Residue to which the maximum 
residue level applies  Food  Maximum Residue 
Level (mg/kg)  
Mefentrifluconazole  1417782 -03-6 Mefentrifluconazole  Barley grain  
Eggs  
Grapes  
Mammalian fat  
Mammalian kidney  
Mammalian liver  
Mammalian meat  
Milk  
Pome fruits   
Poultry fat  
Poultry meat  
Poultry offal  
Wheat grain  2  
0.01(*)  
0.07 
0.1  
0.1  
0.3  
0.02  
0.02  
0.15 
0.02  
0.01(*)  
0.02  
0.5 
(*) indicates that the maximum residue level has been set at or about the limit of analytical quantification.  
3.3.1 Amendment Rationale  
The MRL for pome fruits is being proposed to support a change in  foliar spray  application 
timing  for the use of mefentrifluco nazole to control black spot and powdery mildew in apples, 
and black spot in pears. The MRL for grapes is being proposed to better support the current 
use for control of powdery mildew.  
3.3.2 Good Agricultural Practice  
Mefentrifluconazole is a DMI triazole fung icide which acts by blocking ergosterol biosynthesis 
and is  similar to epoxiconazole, propiconazole and tebuconazole . The proposed use  in pome 
fruits  is a change in application timing to control black spot and powdery mildew in apples, 
and black spot in pe ars. The current application rate of  a maximum of 4 applications at  6 gai / 
100 L water as a preventative treatment is unchanged, but the timing has been revised  from 
an application interval of 7-10 days throughout the use period (until 80% petal fall) to 7-10 
days through the ascospore release period . This lengthens the use of the compound  to 14 
days through to the end of season.  The WHP has accordingly been revised from ‘80% petal 
fall’ to 35 days for both apples and pears. This change is  supported as Goo d Agricultural 
Practice.   
 
The current use on grapes for control of powdery mildew is a maximum of 2 applications of 6 
gai /100L water in a preventative programme up to pre -bunch closure. The associated WHP 
for grapes is to apply no later than pre -bunch c losure.  
 
A 6-month slaughter interval is required after sheep have been removed from the vineyard 
after leaf plucking, and a general grazing restriction is in place which does not allow animals 
to graze within treated orchards or vineyards until after harvest.  
3.3.3 Residue Information  
The residue data for the use of mefentrifluconazole on apples and pears  are sufficient to 
conclude that, when used according to the proposed GAP, residues of mefentrifluconazole 
should not exceed 0.15 mg/kg in pome fruits and 0.07 mg/kg in  grapes.  
There is n o change  proposed for  the current grazing withholding period . With the current 
grazing restrictions in place, t he change in GAP for pome fruit is not expected to significantly  
New Zealand  Food Safety  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice • 11 increase residue intake in animals when grazing in treated orchard s or vineyards . The 
current MRLs for animal commodities , primarily to manage residues resulting from the use of 
mefentrifluconazole in cereals,  remain appropriate.  
 
The current residue definitions  also remain appropriate. The residue definition appl ied for 
MRL compliance and GAP conformance in all plant and animal commodities is 
‘mefentrifluconazole’, as is the dietary intake definition for plant and mammalian animal 
commodities. For dietary intake estimation in poultry commodities, the residue defin ition is 
‘mefentrifluconazole plus metabolite M750F022 and its fatty acid conjugates, expressed as 
mefentrifluconazole ’. 
3.3.4 Dietary Risk Assessment  
The HBGV  of 0.025 mg/kg bw/d was considered appropriate for use in the assessment.  
Based on the residue profile expected in food from  crops treated with mefentrifluconazole 
according to New Zealand GAP, the NEDI is estimated to total less than 6%  of the HBGV.  
New Zealand F ood Safety  has therefore determined that the use of mefentrifluconazole on 
pome fruit and grape crops in accordance with  the GAP specified above , and complying with 
the established and  revised MRLs, is unlikely to pose any health risks from authorised use.  
3.3.5 Relevant International MRLs  for Mefentrifluconazole  
Authority  Food                                                                         Maximum Residue Level 
(mg/kg)  
Australia  Apple  
Apple pomace, dry  
Dried grapes  
Grape pomace, dry  
Grapes  1 
5 
3 
5 
1 
3.4 Proposal to amend the MRLs for spinetoram   
It is proposed that  the MRLs for spinetoram are amended to support the GAP use of the 
compound in maize and sweetcorn. Because these crops are also used as animal feed, the 
proposed changes include revised animal commodity MRLs.  
The proposed changes include the setting of ne w maize and sweetcorn MRLs at 0.01 mg/kg; 
an increase in the mammalian fat MRL from 0.2 mg/kg to 0.5 mg/kg; combining the previous 
mammalian kidney and liver MRL entries to one ‘mammalian offal’ entry to recognise they 
were identical and increasing the MRL  from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.03 mg/kg; and new milk (0.02 
mg/kg), milk fat (0.15 mg/kg), poultry meat (0.01 mg/kg), poultry offal (0.01 mg/kg), and 
poultry eggs (0.01 mg/kg) MRLs.  
   
12 • Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice  New Zealand Food Safety  The revised entry in Schedule 1 of the Notice will read:  
Compound 
Common 
Name  CAS # Residue to which the 
maximum residue level 
applies  Food  Maximum Residue 
Level (mg/kg)  
Spinetoram  187166 -40-1 + 
187166 -15-0 Sum of:  XDE-175-J and 
XDE-175-L 
 
Expressed as:  
spinetoram.  Apples  
Bulb onions  
Citrus  
Eggs  
Maize  
Mammalian fat  (except milk 
fats)  
Mammalian offal  
Mammalian meat  
Milk 
Milk fats  
Pears  
Potatoes  
Poultry meat  
Poultry offal  
Stone fruits  
Sweetcorn  
Tropical and subtropical fruits – 
inedible peel (except kiwifruit)  
Tomatoes  
Vegetable brassicas  0.05 
0.01(*)  
0.05 
0.01(*)  
0.01(*)  
 
0.5 
0.03 
0.03 
0.02 
0.15 
0.05 
0.02(*)  
0.01(*)  
0.01(*)  
0.2 
0.01(*)  
 
0.02(*)  
0.02(*)  
0.15 
(*) indicates that the maximum residue level has been set at or about the limit of analytical quantification.  
3.4.1 Amendment Rationale  
The MRL changes are being proposed to support the GAP use of spinetoram for the control 
of fall armyworm. The new and amended  MRLs will effectively support this use by managing 
residues in the crops to be treated (maize and sweetcorn) and in commodities from animals 
fed or grazed on treated crops.  
3.4.2 Good Agricultural Practice  
Spinetoram is a spinosyn insecticide comprised of two compounds, ethyl -spinosyn -J 9XDE -
175-J) and ethyl -spinosyn -L (XDE -175-L), which act as nicotinic acetylcholine receptor 
agonists. Spinetoram is currently approved for use against a range of common pests  on fruit 
crops, onions, potatoes, hort brassicas, fodder brassicas, and pasture. The proposed new use 
is for the  control of fall armyworm on sweetcorn, and maize  at a rate of 30 -36 gai/ha in at least 
100L/ha with a maximum of two applications 7 days apart . This use attracts a 28 -day pre -
harvest interval for grain, a 28 -day pre -grazing interval for stover, and a 14 -day pre -grazing 
interval for maize forage.  
3.4.3 Residue Information  
The r esidue data for the use of spinetoram are sufficient to conclude that, when used 
according to established  New Zealand  GAP on maize and sweetcorn and observing the 
applicable pre-harvest and pre -grazing intervals,  residues of spinetoram should not exceed 
0.01 mg/kg in maize, sweetcorn, or poultry commodities, 0.02 mg/kg in milk, 0. 03 mg/kg in 
mammalian meat or offal, 0.15 mg/kg in milk fats, and 0.5 mg/kg in mammalian fat other than 
milk fat.  
The current residue  definition, ‘sum of XDE -175-J and XDE -175-L, expressed as spinetoram’  
remains appropriate for all plant and animal commod ities for both GAP conformance and 
dietary intake.    
New Zealand  Food Safety  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice • 13 3.4.4 Dietary Risk Assessment  
The HBGV  of 0.0 17 mg/kg bw/d was considered appropriate for use in the assessment.  
Based on the residue profile expected in food from  crops treated with spinetoram according 
to New Zealand GAP, and in commodities from animals fed animal feed crops treated with 
spinetoram, the NEDI is estimated to total less than 3% of the HBGV.  
New Zealand Food Safety  has therefore determined that the u se of spinetoram on 
horticultural crops and in animal feed crops in accordance with  the GAP specified above , and 
complying with the  established and  revised MRLs, is unlikely to pose any health risks from 
authorised use.   
   
14 • Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice  New Zealand Food Safety  3.4.5 Relevant International MRLs  for S pinetoram  
Authority  Food                                                                         Maximum Residue Level 
(mg/kg)  
Codex  Edible offal (mammalian)  
Eggs  
Maize  
Mammalian fats (except milk fats)  
Meat (from mammals other than marine mammals)  
Milk fats  
Milks  
Poultry fats  
Poultry meat  
Poultry, edible offal of  
Sweet corn (corn on the cob)(kernels plus cob with husk 
removed)  0.1 
0.01 
0.01 
1 
1 
0.15 
0.02 
0.01 
0.01 
0.01 
 
0.01 
Australia  Edible offal (mammalian)  
Eggs  
Maize cereals  
Meat (mammalian) [in the fat]  
Milks  
Poultry meat [in the fat]  
Poultry, edible offal of  
Sweet corn (corn -on-the-cob) 0.2 
0.01 
0.01 
2 
0.01 
0.01 
0.01 
0.01 
Canada  Eggs  
Fat of cattle, sheep, goats, and horses  
Fat of hogs and poultry  
Field corn  
Liver of cattle, sheep, goats, and horses  
Meat byproducts of cattle, sheep, goats, and horses (except liver)  
Meat byproducts of hogs and poultry  
Meat of cattle, sheep, goats, and horses  
Meat of hogs and poultry  
Milk 
Milk fat  
Popcorn grai n 
Sweet corn kernels plus cob with husks removed  0.04 
5.5 
0.04 
0.04 
0.85 
0.6 
0.04 
0.2 
0.04 
0.3 
7.5 
0.04 
0.04 
China  Corn and fresh corn  0.01 
European Union  Sweet corn  
Maize/corn  
All mammalian commodities including milk  
All poultry commodities including eggs  0.02 
0.02 
0.02 
0.02 
Japan  Corn (maize, including popcorn and sweet corn)  
All mammalian muscle  
All mammalian fat  
All mammalian liver, kidney, and edible offal  
Milk 
All poultry commodities including eggs  0.02 
1 
1 
0.1 
0.02 
0.01 
United States  Cattle, sheep, goat, and horse by products and kidney  
Cattle, sheep, goat, and horse fat  
Cattle, sheep, goat, and horse liver  
Cattle, sheep, goat, and horse meat  
Poultry and hog by products, kidney, liver, and meat  
Poultry fat  
Hog fat  
Corn (grain, p op, and sweet)  
Eggs  
Milk 0.6 
5.5 
0.85 
0.2 
0.04 
0.1 
0.4 
0.04 
0.04 
7.5  
New Zealand  Food Safety  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice • 15 3.5 Proposal to amend the MRLs for tetraniliprole   
It is proposed that  a new  MRL for tetraniliprole  is set to support the GAP use of the 
compound in  the crop grouping  ‘stone fruits.’  The proposed MRL is 0.3 mg/kg.  
The revised entry in Schedule 1 of the Notice will read:  
Compound 
Common Name  CAS#  Residue to which the 
maximum residue level 
applies  Food  Maximum Residue 
Level (mg/kg)  
Tetraniliprole  1229654 -66--3 Tetraniliprole  Pome fruits  
Stone fruits  0.2 
0.3 
(*) indicates that the maximum residue level has been set at or about the limit of analytical quantification.  
3.5.1 Amendment Rationale  
The MRL is being proposed to support a new use to control Carpophilus beetle in stone fruits. 
Tetraniliprole  is currently approved  for use in p ome fruits  for control of codling moth, leafrollers 
and bronze beetle . 
3.5.2 Good Agricultural Practice  
Tetraniliprole is a n anti -feedant  diamide insecticide similar to chlorantraniliprole, 
cyantraniliprole and flubendiamide. The proposed use to control  Carpophilus beetle  in stone 
fruits requires 1 -2 foliar applications of 3 g ai/100 L (60 g ai/ha) as fruit approaches matu rity.  
A WHP of  4 days is consistent with the beetle behaviour and is supported as G AP.   
3.5.3 Residue Information  
The residue data for the use of tetraniliprole on peaches, nectarines, cherries, apricot and 
plum  are sufficient to conclude that, when used according to the proposed GAP, residues of 
tetraniliprole should not exceed 0.3 mg/kg in the crop grouping ‘stone fruits’.  
The current residue definition s remain appropriate. The residue definition for MRL 
confor mance and GAP compliance is ‘tetraniliprole’, while the definition for dietary intake 
estimation is ‘s um of Tetraniliprole and its -quinazolinone metabolite (expressed as 
tetraniliprole) ’. Animal commodity MRLs are not required as pome and stone fruits are  not 
considered primary feed commodities in New Zealand.  
3.5.4 Dietary Risk Assessment  
The HBGV  of 0.62  mg/kg bw/d was considered appropriate for use in the assessment.  
Based on the residue profile expected in food from  crops treated with tetraniliprole according 
to GAP, the NEDI is estimated to total less than 0.1% of the HBGV.  
New Zealand Food Safety  has therefore determined that the use of tetraniliprole on stone 
fruit crops in accordance with  the GAP specified above , and complying with the  established 
and revised MRLs, is unlikely to pose any health risks from authorised use.   
3.5.5 Relevant International MRLs  for Tetraniliprole  
Authority  Food                                                                         Maximum Residue Level 
(mg/kg)  
Australia  Apricots, dried  
Cherries  
Prunes  
Stone fruits (except cherries)  3 
1 
3 
0.7  
16 • Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice  New Zealand Food Safety  3.6 Proposal to set MRLs for thiencarbazone -methyl   
It is proposed that  a new  MRL  entry is added to the Food Notice to support the GAP use of 
this novel active ingredient in fodder and sugar beets used as animal feed. The MRLs will be 
set in mammalian meat, fat, offal, and milk.  
The new entry in Schedule 1 of the  Notice will read:  
Compound 
Common Name  CAS#  Residue to which the 
maximum residue level 
applies  Food  Maximum Residue 
Level (mg/kg)  
Thiencarbazone -
methyl  317815 -83-1 Sum of:  Thiencarbazone -
methyl and BYH 18636 -
MMT  
Expressed as : 
thiencarbazone -methyl  Mammalian meat  
Mammalian fat  
Mammalian offal  
Milk 0.01 
0.01 
0.01 
0.01 
(*) indicates that the maximum residue level has been set at or about the limit of analytical quantification.  
3.6.1 Amendment Rationale  
Thiencarbazone -methyl has not previously been registered for use in New Zealand. MRLs are 
being proposed to support the GAP use of the compound as a herbicide in fodder and sugar 
beet crops intended for use as animal feed by managing residues in animal com modities.  
3.6.2 Good Agricultural Practice  
Thiencarbazone -methyl is a triazolone herbicide which inhibiting the enzyme acetolactate 
synthase (ALS). Like foramsulfuron, this compound  works by blocking protein synthesis to 
inhibit plant growth and survival, though thiencarbazone -methyl is active through foliar 
systemic activity and to a lesser extent a ctivity in the soil.    
The proposed use of this compound is two applications of 15 gai in 200 -300L water/ha, at the 
beginning of the weed flush when the crop is at the 2 -4 leaf stage, and repeated 10 -14 days 
later when the crop has up to 8 leaves. This use attracts a pre -grazing and -harvest interval of 
70 days.  
3.6.3 Residue Information  
The residue data  for the use of thiencarbazone -methyl on fodder and sugar beets are 
sufficient to conclude that, when used according to the proposed GAP, residues of 
thiencarbazone -methyl should not exceed 0.01 mg/kg in any animal commodities.   
The proposed residue defin ition for MRL conformance and GAP compliance and dietary 
intake estimation for animal commodities is ‘ sum of thiencarbazone -methyl and BYH 18636 -
MMT, expressed as thiencarbazone -methyl’ .   
3.6.4 Dietary Risk Assessment  
The HBGV  of 1.05  mg/kg bw/d was considered appropriate for use in the assessment.  
Based on the residue profile expected in food from  animals that have consumed feed treated 
with foramsulfuron according to GAP, the NEDI is estimated to total less than 0.01% of the 
HBGV.  
New Zealand Food Safety  has therefore determined that the use of thiencarbazone -methyl 
on fodder and sugar beet crops in accordance with  the GAP specified above , and complying 
with the  new animal commodity MRLs, is unlikely to pose any health risks from authorised 
use.    
New Zealand  Food Safety  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice • 17 3.6.5 Relevant International MRLs  for Thiencarbazone -methyl  
Authority  Food                                                                         Maximum Residue Level 
(mg/kg)  
Canada  All mammalian commodities including milk  0.02 
European Union  All mammalian commodities including milk  0.01 
United States  All mammalian commodities including milk  0.02 
3.7 Proposal to set entries for aniseed oil, menthol , and sassafras oil in  Schedule 
3 
It is proposed th ree entries are added  to Schedule 3 of the Notice to identify aniseed oil, 
menthol, and sassafras oil as  veterinary medicine s to which no MRL appl ies. All three 
compounds are used as active ingredients in liniment products used as topically applied rubs 
to manage soft tissue sprains and strains.  
Aniseed oil is used in many human food products such as dairy products, confectionary 
items, and liqueurs as a flavouring agent. Its use in this manner is generally recognised as 
safe by international authorities. Menthol is used commonly in cough and cold  remedies as 
well as some foods and attracts a higher acceptable daily intake than aniseed. The principal 
substance in sassafras oil is safrole, which is found in food for human consumption such as 
nutmeg, parsley oil, and star anise, with safrole extracts  used as food flavourings and in 
cosmetics.  
When used as liniment compounds on  horses, the three compounds are applied topically at 
very low concentrations. This results in a low amount of compound in contact with the 
horse’s skin, and a negligible level  of the compounds available for systemic absorption. With 
listing in Schedule 3 restricted to topical application, and only on horses, it is considered that 
residues from aniseed oil, menthol, and sassafras oil do not need to be managed through the 
applica tion of MRL s.  
The proposed new entr ies in Schedule 3 will read as follows:  
Substance  CAS#  Condition  
Aniseed oil  8007 -70-3 When used as a t opical liniment on horses   
 
 Substance  CAS#  Condition  
Menthol  89-78-1 When used as a t opical liniment on horses   
 
Substance  CAS#  Condition  
Sassafras oil  8006 -80-2 When used as a t opical liniment on horses   
 
3.8 Proposal to set an entry for luteinising hormone (LH)  in Schedule 3  
It is proposed that  luteinising hormone (LH) is added to Schedule 3 of the Notice to identify it 
as a veterinary medicine to which no MRL applies.  LH is a naturally occurring gonadotropin 
hormone which regulates ovarian maturation and the reproductive cycle in mammals. As a  
18 • Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice  New Zealand Food Safety  veterinary medicine, LH is usually used in conjunction with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) 
in cattle to manage fertility status.  
When administered to cattle as a veterinary medicine, the introduced LH is indistinguishable 
from the endogenously rel eased compound and rapidly eliminated within hours. In addition, 
assessments of the use of compounds like LH as a veterinary medicine by international 
authorities have determined that MRLs are not required given to manage residues or food 
safety. As such, the use of LH as a veterinary medicine is not expected to pose risks to either 
food safety or trade . The condition of exemption will reflect the use of the compound as a 
zootechnical agent to manage reproduction in ruminant species.  
The proposed new entry in Schedule 3 will read as follows:   
Substance  CAS#  Condition  
Luteinising hormone (LH)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          n/a When used to manage reproduction in ruminants