Proposals to Amend the New 
Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice 
 
 
New Zealand Food Safety Discussion  Paper  No: 2023/03 
 
 
 
Prepared for public consultation  
by New Zealand Food Safety  
  
ISBN No: 978-1-991087- 70-6 (online)  
eISSN 2624- 0157 (online)  
 
 
  12 September  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 amend the MRLs for fenpyrazamine  7 
3.2 Proposal to amend the MRLs for fenpyroximate  8 
3.3 Proposal to amend the MRLs for fluxapyroxad  9 
3.4 Proposal to amend the MRLs for mefentrifluconazole  10 
3.5 Proposal to amend the MRLs for sulfoxaflor  12  
New Zealand Food Safety  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice •  1 1 Request for submissions  
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 questions.  
 
Do you agree or disagree with the proposed addition, amendment or deletion?  
 
For compounds listed in Schedule 1, d o you agree or disagree with the proposed 
MRL (s)?  
 
Please feel free to include with your answers above, any supporting discussion, data or 
examples that you feel are relevant.  
 
Submissions close at 5pm on 13 November  2023 . Your comments 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 organisation, 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 withholding 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 for Primary Industries  will take such 
indications into account when determining whether to release information.  Any decision to 
withhold information requested under the O IA 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 productivity.  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 without 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 animal 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 against 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 establ ished 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 (t he SPS Agreement) , proposals for new and amended MRLs are 
notified to the World Trade Organization. Any country may choose to comment if they 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 Notice. The 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 Online 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 f ood 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 GAP 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. Once 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 ensure 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 considered 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., cattle, 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., avocado, 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 the 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 intake (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 agricultural 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 value s 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 evaluation 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 person may be subject to via food, and is the 
food- specific part of a set of values for different exposure pathw ays comprising the NZ EPA’s 
assessment of acceptable daily exposure (ADE) for an agricultural compound.  
An ADI is defined by the World Health Organization (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 not 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 these 
joint committees also feeds into the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), which sets 
international MR Ls.  
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 species 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 r egions  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 not 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 the  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 c onsidered 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 metaboli sm and residue information, and the 
potential risks posed to public health and trade. The assessment may also include an 
assessment of dietary exposure when considered necessary to fully assess the risks.  
Where New Zealand Food Safety has determined that an MRL is not required, the compound 
is proposed for list ing 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. I f a compound listed in Schedule 2 or 3 is used in a way that does 
not meet the specified condition, the 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 proposed 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 species ; 
• 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 entry 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 information section of the proposal. The HBGV used to compare to the NEDI 
calculation and determine the potential public health ri sk is included in the dietary risk and 
public health assessment section of the proposal.  
2.2.1 Amendments to Schedule 1 : Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds  
MPI proposes to make the following changes to Schedule 1 of the Notice:  
• Amendment of the entry for fenpyrazamine, to set the MRL for grapes to 0.05 mg/kg;  
• Amendment of the entry for fenpyroximate, to set a new MRL at 0. 15 mg/kg for 
avocado;  
• Amendment of the entry for fluxapyroxad, to set MRLs at 0.15 mg/kg for wheat, 
ryecorn and triticale grain; and 0.9 mg/kg for barley and oat grain;  
• Amendment of the entry for mefentrifluconazole , to set MRLs at 0.5 mg/kg for 
ryecorn and triticale grain; and 3 mg/kg for barley and oat grain; and  
• Amendment of the entry for sulfoxaflor , to set MRLs at 0.01  mg/kg for eggs, poultry 
fat, and poultry meat; 0.03 mg/kg for poultry offal; and 0.2  mg/kg for mammalian offal 
which will replace existing MRLs for mammalian kidney and liver.  
   
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 amend the MRLs for fenpyrazamine  
It is proposed that the MRL for fenpyrazamine is amended to support the GAP use of the 
compound 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 R esidue 
Level (mg/kg)  
Fenpyrazamine 473798- 59-3 Fenpyrazamine Grapes  0.05 
 
3.1.1 Amendment Rationale  
The current MRL of 3 mg/kg in grapes was set as a result of a request from an overseas  trading 
partner, where GAP includes later application timing (up to veraison) . This had led to the need 
for a higher MRL than would be applied if use was limited to that considered GAP in New 
Zealand.  Now that  Codex has completed their review of fenpyrazamine and set an MRL of 3.0 
mg/kg for grapes  based on the overseas use pattern to facilitate trade, the New Zealand MRL  
for grapes for fenpyrazamine can be amended to  0.05 mg/kg to support domestic GAP.   
3.1.2 Good Agricultural Practice  
Fenpyrazamine is currently approved for use on wine grapes for the treatment of grey mould 
(Botrytis cinerea) at up to 2 foliar sprays of 40 gai/100L, applied to full coverage up to full 
bunch closure. This use is considered GAP in New Zealand as part of a season- long control 
programme. The applicable withholding period is use up to pre- bunch closure but not less 
than 65 days before harvest.  
 For the use of sheep for  leaf plucking in vineyards, a 6 month slaughter interval has been 
established to manage residues in animal commodities.  
3.1.3 Residue Information  
The residue data fo r the use of fenpyrazamine on wine grapes  are sufficient to conclude that, 
when used according to the current NZ GAP, residues of fenpyrazamine should not exceed 
0.05 mg/kg in grapes . Residues are not expected in animal commodities as a result of sheep 
leaf-plucking in vineyards.  
The current residue definitions for plant commodities remain appropriate. The definition for GAP compliance is  ‘Fenpyrazamine’ (parent only) ; and for dietary intake risk assessment the 
definition is ‘fenpyrazamine plus its S -2188 -DC metabolite, expressed as parent compound’. 
The correction factor for the metabolite is 1.43.  No residue definitions have been proposed in 
animal commodities, and no animal commodity MRLs are required.  
3.1.4 Dietary Risk Assessment  
The HBGV of 0.091 mg/kg bw/d was considered appropriate for use in the assessment. 
 
Based on the proposed MRL, the NEDI for fenpyrazamine is equivalent to less than 0.2%  of 
the HBGV. It is therefore concluded that the risk associated with chronic dietary exposure is  
small and is unlikely to pose any health risks from authorised use.   
8 • Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice New Zealand Food Safety  3.1.5 Relevant International MRLs for Fenpyrazamine  
Authority  Food                                                                        Maximum Residue Level 
(mg/kg)  
Australia  Dried Grapes (currants, raisins, and sultanas)  
Table Grapes  
Wine Grapes  10 
3 
0.05 
Codex  Grapes  3 
3.2 Proposal to amend the MRLs for fenpyr oximate 
It is proposed that a new  MRL  is set to support a new use of the compound in avocado .  
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)  
Fenpyroximate 134098- 61-6 Fenpyroximate Avocado  
Pome fruits   
 0.15 
0.1 
 
3.2.1 Amendment Rationale  
An MRL is being proposed to support a new use to control six-spotted mite in avocado.   
3.2.2 Good Agricultural Practice  
Fenpyroximate is a phenoxy pyrazole insecticide, used as a non -systemic miticide with 
knockdown and residual activity  in mobile stages of mites and moulting of immature stages 
at lower doses.  The proposed use pattern for control of six -spotted mite in avocado is one 
foliar application of 3.75 gai/100 L water per season once mite thresholds have been 
reached, with a withholding period of 14 days. The current use is for control of European red 
mite and two -spotted mite on pome fruit.  
3.2.3 Residue Information  
The residue data for the use of fenpyroximate  on avocado are sufficient to conclude that, 
when used according to the proposed GAP, residues of fenpyroximate  should not exceed 
0.15 mg/kg in  avocado.  
The current residue definition of ‘fenpyroximate’  for GAP  compliance and dietary intake 
estimation remain s appropriate for plant and animal commodities . Animal commodity MRLs 
are not required as the target crops are not considered animal feed commodities.  
3.2.4 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 fenpyroximate the NEDI is estimated to total less than 6% of the HBGV for average adult New Zealander. The 
use of fenpyroximate 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 •  9 3.2.5 Relevant International MRLs for Fenpyroximate  
Authority  Food                                                                        Maximum Residue Level 
(mg/kg)  
Australia  All other foods except animal commodities  0.1 
Codex  Avocado  0.2 
3.3 Proposal to amend the MRLs for fluxapyroxad  
It is proposed that MRLs are set to support use of the compound in triticale, ryecorn and 
oats, and a change in withholding period when used in cereal crops .   
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)  
Fluxapyroxad 907204- 31-3 Fluxapyroxad Apples  
Barley grain  
Bulb vegetables  
Eggs  
Mammalian offal  
Mammalian fat  
Mammalian meat  Milk  
Oat grain  
Pears  
Poultry fat  
Poultry meat  
Poultry offal  
Rye grain  
Stone fruits  
Triticale grain  
Wheat  grain  
Winter squash  0.02  
0.9 
0.2  0.01(*)  
0.03  0.05  
0.01(*)  
0.005  
0.9 
0.02  0.01(*)  
0.01(*)  
0.01(*)  
0.15 
0.01(*)  
0.15 
0.15 
0.01(*)  
(*) indicates that the maximum residue level has been set at or about the limit of analytical quantification.  
3.3.1 Amendment Rationale  
MRLs are proposed to support the  control of rust and scald fungal diseases in the additional 
crops ryecorn, triticale and oats, and extend the current application timing in wheat and barley .    
3.3.2 Good Agricultural Practice  
Fluxapyroxad is a broad -spectrum pyrazole- carboxamide fungicide. It stunts fungus growth by 
inhibiting the succinate dehydrogenase enz yme. It is proposed that fluxapyroxad is used in the 
additional cereal crops ryecorn, triticale and oats for control of fungal  diseases, and the 
application timing is changed to allow application to be made up to a week later.  The current  
GAP for fluxapyroxad  in wheat and barley is for 2 foliar applications of 75 g ai/ha, applied 3- 5 
weeks apart, up to end of flowering (GS69) with a 42-day withholding period for grain and straw 
and a 28 -day livestock withholding period for green feed/silage. It is proposed that application 
can be made up until early dough (BBCH 83) for wheat, ryecorn and triticale, and up to late 
milk (BBCH79)  in barley and oats . The WHP will accordingly be reduced from 42  days after 
last application to 35  days for cereal grain and straw/stubble. For  cereal green feed/silage the 
WHP will remain as 28 days after last application. 
  
10 • Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice New Zealand Food Safety   
3.3.3 Residue Information  
The residue data for the use of fluxapyroxad  on wheat, ryecorn, triticale, barley and oats  are 
sufficient to conclude that, when used according to the proposed GAP, residues of 
fluxapyroxad should not exceed 0. 15 mg/kg in wheat, rye and triticale grain, and 0. 9 mg/kg in 
barley and oat grain.  
The current MRLs for animal commodities, primarily to manage residues resulting from the 
use of fluxapyroxad  in cereals, remain appropriate.  
 
The current residue definitions remain appropriate. The residue definition in plant and animal 
commodities for MRL compliance in plant and animal commodities  is ‘Fluxapyroxad.’  For 
dietary intake estimation in plant commodities, the residue definition is ‘Sum of fluxapyroxad, 
M700F008 and M700F048, expressed as parent ’. For dietary intake estimation in animal 
commodities, the residue definition is ‘Sum of fluxapyroxad and M700F008 , expressed as 
parent ’. 
3.3.4 Dietary Risk Assessment  
The HBGV  of 0.014  mg/kg bw/d was considered appropriate for use in the assessment.  
Based on the residue profile expected in food from all crops treated with  fluxapyroxad  
according to New Zealand GAP, the NEDI is  estimated to total less than 2% of the HBGV.  
New Zealand Food Safety  has therefore determined that the use of fluxapyroxad in cereals in 
accordance with the GAP specified above  is unlikely to pose any health risks from authorised 
use. 
3.3.5 Relevant Internation al MRLs for Fluxapyroxad  
Authority  Food                                                                        Maximum Residue Level 
(mg/kg)  
Australia  Barley  
Barley bran, unprocessed  
Oats 
Rye 
Wheat  
 3 
0.5 
0.2 
3 
0.3 
 
Codex  Barley  
Oats 
Rye 
Triticale  
Wheat  
 2 
2 
0.3 
0.3 
0.3 
 
3.4 Proposal to amend the MRLs for mefentrifluconazole  
It is proposed that MRLs are set to support use of the compound in triticale, ryecorn and 
oats, and a change in withholding period when used in cereal crops .   
The revised entry in Schedule 1 of the Notice will read:  
  
New Zealand Food Safety  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice •  11 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  Oat grain  
Pome fruits   
Poultry fat  
Poultry meat  
Poultry offal  
Rye grain  
Triticale grain  
Wheat grain  3 
0.01(*)  
0.07 0.1  
0.1  
0.3  
0.02  
0.02  3 
0.15 
0.02  0.01(*)  
0.02  0.5 
0.5 
0.5 
(*) indicates that the maximum residue level has been set at or about the limit of analytical quantification.  
3.4.1 Amendment Rationale  
MRLs are proposed to support the control of rust and scald fungal diseases in the additional 
crops ryecorn, triticale and oats, and extend the current application timing in wheat and barley .    
3.4.2 Good Agricultural Practice  
Mefentrifluconazole is a DMI triazole fungicide which acts by blocking ergosterol biosynthesis 
and is similar to epoxiconazole, propiconazole and tebuconazole. It is proposed that mefentrifluconazole is used in the additional cereal crops ryecorn, triticale and oats for control of scald and rust fungal diseases, and the  application timing is changed to allow 
application to be made up to a week later.  The current  GAP for mefentrifluconazole in wheat 
and barley is for 2 foliar applications of 150 g ai/ha, applied 3- 5 weeks apart, up to end of 
flowering (GS69) w ith a 42- day withholding period for grain and straw and a 28 -day livestock 
withholding period for green feed/silage. It is proposed that application can be made up until early dough (BBCH 83) for wheat, ryecorn and triticale, and up to late milk (BBCH79) i n 
barley and oats. The WHP will accordingly be reduced from 42 days after last application to 35 days for cereal grain and straw/stubble. For cereal green feed/silage the WHP will remain 
as 28 days after last application.  
 
3.4.3 Residue Information  
The residue data for the use of mefentrifluconazole on wheat, ryecorn, triticale, barley and oats are sufficient to conclude that, when used according to the proposed GAP, residues of 
mefentrifluconazole should not exceed 0. 5 mg/kg in wheat, rye and triticale grain,  and 3 
mg/kg in barley and oat grain.  
The current MRLs for animal commodities, primarily to manage residues resulting from the 
use of mefentrifluconazole in cereals, remain appropriate.  
 The residue definition for GAP compliance in plant and animal commodities is 
‘mefentrifluconazole,’  as is the dietary intake definition for plant commodities. For dietary 
intake estimation in animal commodities, the residue definition is ‘mefentrifluconazole plus 
metabolite M750F022 and its conjugates ’. 
3.4.4 Dietary Risk Assessment  
The HBGV  of 0.025  mg/kg bw/d was considered appropriate for use in the assessment.   
12 • 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 mefentrifluconazole 
according to New Zealand GAP, the NEDI is estimated to total less than 7% of the HBGV.  
New Zealand Food Safety  has therefore determined that the use of mefentrifluconazole 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.  
3.4.5 Relevant International MRLs for Mefentrifluconazole  
Authority  Food                                                                        Maximum Residue Level 
(mg/kg)  
Australia  Barley, similar grains, and pseudocereals with husks  
Wheat, similar grains, and pseudocereals without husks  4 
0.3 
3.5 Proposal to amend the MRLs for sulfoxaflor  
It is proposed that MRLs are set to support a changed use pattern for the compound before 
animals can graze or be fed treated forage brassica crops, resulting in a change to animal 
commodity MRLs . Poultry MRLs are proposed to reflect the existing use in cereal grain.  
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)  
Sulfoxaflor  946578- 00-3 Sulfoxaflor  Barley grain  
Cauliflower  
Cucurbits (except pumpkins and 
winter squash)  
Eggs  
Head lettuce  
Fruiting vegetables (other than 
cucurbits)  Leafy vegetables (except head 
lettuce)  
Mammalian fat  
Mammalian kidney  
Mammalian liver   
Mammalian meat  Mammalian offal  
Milk  
Poultry fat  
Poultry meat  
Poultry offal  
Root and tuber vegetables  
Vegetable brassicas (except cauliflower)  
Wheat grain  0.01(*)  
0.1  0.5   
0.01(*)  
1.0  1.0  
 5  
 0.04  
0.1  
0.2 
0.07  
0.2  
0.03  0.01(*)  
0.01(*)  
0.03 
0.05  
3  
 
0.01(*)  
(*) indicates that the maximum residue level has been set at or about the limit of analytical quantification.  
3.5.1 Amendment Rationale  
MRLs are proposed to support a changed use pattern for forage brassicas  as a result of a new 
product which combines two known active ingredients . While most of the mammalian MRLs 
for sulfoxaflor are unchanged, it is proposed that the existing MRLs for mammalian kidney is 
increased and a single MRL for mammalian offal will rep lace the separate MRLs for 
mammalian kidney and liver. MRLs for poultry commodities are proposed to reflect existing uses in cereal grain.   
New Zealand Food Safety  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice •  13 3.5.2 Good Agricultural Practice  
Sulfoxaflor is a systemic insecticide with activity against sap -sucking insects. It is cu rrently 
used for control of a large range of sap- sucking insects on wheat, barley, forage brassicas 
and vegetable crops. The existing use of forage brassicas is for two applications at 24 gai/ha 
with a minimum 14 day interval, for control of  aphids . The new use pattern proposed  is an 
increase in application rate to 25 gai/ha, in combination with spinetoram, for control of 
caterpillars, leaf miner, springtails, aphids and Nysius huttoni . The WHP s ‘Meat: do not graze 
treated crops until 14 days after applicat ion’ and ‘Milk: do not graze within 28 days after 
application’ will remain unchanged. 
 
3.5.3 Residue Information  
The residue data for the use of sulfoxaflor  on forage brassicas  are sufficient to conclude that, 
when used according to the proposed GAP, residues of sulfoxaflor  should not exceed  0.2 
mg/kg in mammalian offal from all existing uses. The current MRLs for mammalian tissues 
and milk remain appropriate. For poultry  commodi ties, which were not previously set, residue 
data for current uses are sufficient to conclude that residues of sulfoxaflor will not exceed 0.03 mg/kg in poultry offal, and are not expected in eggs, poultry fat or poultry meat.   
The residue definition for GAP compliance and dietary intake estimation in plant and animal 
commodities is ‘ sulfoxaflor .’ 
3.5.4 Dietary Risk Assessment  
Based on the residue profile expected in food from animals exposed to sulfoxaflor from feed 
treated according to GAP, and with all existing and proposed MRLs incorporated into the calculation, the NEDI is estimated to total 9.984% of the HBGV for the NZ adult average and 
21.447% for the NZ child average.  
The HBGV
 of 0.028  mg/kg bw/d was considered appropriate for use in the assessment.  
Based on the residue profile expected in food from animals exposed to sulfoxaflor from feed 
treated according to GAP, and with all existing and proposed MRLs incorporated into the 
calculation, the NEDI is estimated to total less than 10% of the HBGV.  
New Zealand Food Safety  has therefore determined that the use of sulfoxaflor  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 Sulfoxaflor  
Authority  Food                                                                        Maximum Residue 
Level (mg/kg)  
Australia  Edible offal (mammalian)  
Eggs  
Poultry, edible offal of  
Poultry meat  2 
0.01(*)  
0.02 
0.7 
Canada Eggs  
Fat of poultry  
Meat byproducts of cattle, goats, horses, and sheep 
Meat byproducts of hogs  
Meat byproducts of poultry  
Meat of poultry  0.01 
0.01 
0.05 0.01 
0.02 
0.01 
China  Viscera of mammals (with the exception of marine mammal)  
Poultry meat  
Poultry viscera  
Poultry fat  
Eggs  0.6 
0.1 
0.3 
0.03 
0.1  
14 • Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice New Zealand Food Safety  Codex  Edible offal (mammalian)  
Eggs  
Poultry fats  
Poultry meat  
Poultry , edible offal of  1 
0.1 
0.03 
0.7 
0.3 
European Union  Swine, bovine, sheep, goat, and equine offal (liver, kidney, and edible offals)  
Poultry muscle  
Poultry fat  
Poultry offal (liver, kidney, and edible offals)  
Eggs  0.6 
0.1 
0.03 
0.3 
0.1 
Japan Liver, kidney, and edible offal of cattle, pigs, and other terrestrial mammals  
Chicken and poultry muscle  
Chicken and poultry fat  
Liver, kidney, and edible offal of Chicken and poultry  
Eggs  1 
0.7 
0.05 
0.3 
0.1 
United States  Cattle , goat, horse and sheep meat byproducts  
Hog meat byproducts  
Egg 
Poultry meat byproducts  
Poultry fat  
Poultry meat  0.8 
0.6 
0.06 
0.3 
0.2 
0.1 
(*) indicates that the maximum residue level has been set at or about the limit of analytical quantification.