Proposals to Amend (No. 1) the 
New Zealand (Maximum Residue 
Limits of Agricultural Compounds) 
Food Standards 2011   
 
MAF Discussion Paper No: 2011/3 
 
Biosecurity and Food Policy 
 
 
 
 
ISBN 978-0-478- 37593-0 (online) 
ISSN 2230-2816 (online)  
 
 
April  2011  
 
 
Disclaimer 
 
Every effort has been made to ensure the information in this document is accurate. 
 MAF does not accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any error of fact, omission, interpretation or opinion that may be present, however it may have occurred. 
Requests for further copies should be directed to:  Publication Adviser MAF Information Bureau P O Box 2526 WELLINGTON  Telephone: 0800 00 83 33 Facsimile: 04-894 0300  This publication is also ava ilable on the MAF website at  
www.biosecurity.govt.nz/about-us/our- publications/tec hnical-papers 
  
© Crown Copyright - Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry   
Contents Page 
 
Submissions 1 
1. INTRODUCTION 2  
1.1. Background 2 1.2. Summary of Proposed Amendment 3 1.3. Next steps 3 
2. PROPOSALS 4  
2.1. Proposal to set an MRL for Forchlorfenuron 4 
2.2. Proposal to set an MRL for Thiacloprid 5 2.3. Proposal to set an MRL for Spirotetramat 7 2.4. Proposal to set MRLs for Phosphine 8 2.5. Proposal to set MRLs for Nicarbazin 10 2.6 Proposal to exempt Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride from an MRL 12 2.7. Proposal to exempt Ethylene from an MRL 13 2.8. Proposal to extend the exemption of Phosphorus acid from an MRL 14 2.9. Proposal to exempt Lecirelin from an MRL 14 
 
i  
Submissions 
 
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) – that now incorporates the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) - invites publi c comment on this discussion document which 
outlines proposals to amend the  New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural 
Compounds) Food Standards 2011 . 
 The following points may be of a ssistance in preparing comments: 
 Wherever possible, comment should be sp ecific to a particular section in the 
document.  All major sections are numbered  and these numbers should be used to link 
comments to the document. 
 Where possible, reasons and data to support commentsare requested. 
 The use of examples to illustrate particular points is encouraged. 
 As a number of copies may be made of  your comments, please use good quality type, 
or make sure the comments are clearl y hand-written in bl ack or blue ink. 
 Please include the following info rmation in your submission: 
 The title of the discussion document; 
 Your name and title  (if applicable); 
 Your organisation’s name (if applicable); and 
 Your address. 
 Please submit your response by 5:00pm on  Friday 1 July 2011.  Your comments should 
be sent to: 
 
MRL Amendments MAF Food Policy PO Box 2835 Wellington  Email: maffoodpolicy@maf.govt.nz
 
Fax: (04) 894 2583  
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.  MAF will take such indications 
into account when determining whether or not  to release information.  Any decision to 
withhold information requested under the OIA may be reviewed by the Ombudsman. 
 
Proposals to Amend (No. 1) the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2011   1 Proposals to Amend (No. 1) the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2011   2 1. INTRODUCTION 
Maximum residue limits (MRLs) are the maximum legal limits for residues of agricultural 
compounds and veterinary medicines in food for sale in New Zealand.  MRLs are primarily a 
tool for monitoring the use of agricultural compounds in accordance with good agricultural 
practice (GAP). GAP is not explicitly defined or regulated, but is the generally accepted means for producing safe primary produce in a particular location while taking account of 
climate, pests or diseases and other environmental factors.  MR Ls are used to minimise risks 
to public health by ensu ring that chemical residues in food are as low as practicable, without 
compromising the ability of the chemical to successfully do what is intended.  
1.1. BACKGROUND 
MRLs are set out in the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Lim its of Agricultural Compounds) 
Food Standards (the MRL Standards). The MRL Standards are amended a number of times each year to reflect changes in the use of agricultural compounds in  the production of food.  
The MRL Standards 2011 are on th e MAF Foodsafety website at: http://www.foodsafety.
 
govt.nz/elibrary/industry/NZ-MRL-of-Agric ultural-Compounds-Food-Standards-2011.pdf  
 MAF administers the MRL Standards, but the final decision on any changes to the MRL 
Standards rests with the Minister for Food Sa fety.  Under section 11E of the Food Act 1981, 
when amending or issuing the MRL Standards, the Minister must take into account the 
following: 
 The need to protect public health; 
 The desirability of avoiding unnecessary restrictions on trade; 
 The desirability of maintaining consiste ncy between New Zealand's food standards 
and those applying internationally; 
 New Zealand's obligations under any rele vant international treaty, agreement, 
convention, or protocol, and, in particular, under the Au stralia-New Zealand Joint 
Food Standards Agreement; and 
 Such other matters as the Mi nister considers appropriate. 
 Possible implications for public health are consid ered during the toxicolo gical and dietary risk 
assessments, by comparing the estimated dietar y intake with a Potential Daily Exposure 
(food) (PDE
food) or where there is no PDE food, by comparing it with the Acceptable Daily 
Intake (ADI).  PDE food and ADI are described below.   
 A PDE
food or Potential Daily Exposure (food), is  a value determined  by a toxicological 
evaluation by Environmental Risk Management  Authority New Zealand (ERMA NZ) as part 
of its responsibilities under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (the HSNO Act), which has some responsibility for managing public health.
1  A PDE food gives the 
potential daily exposure a person may be subject to from a substance, via food.  MAF uses a 
PDE food, rather than the internationa lly-determined ADI, where a PDE food is available, due to 
the HSNO Act in New Zealand.  The ADI and PDE food are largely equivalent, as they are 
determined using the same set of toxicology data  and in a very simila r scientific process. 
 An ADI or Acceptable Daily Intake is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as: “the daily intake which, during an entire lifetim e, 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 inju ry will not result even after a lifetime of 
                                                
 
1The purpose of the HSNO Act 1996 is “to protect the environm ent, and the health and safety of people and communities, by 
preventing or managing the adverse effects of  hazardous substances and new organisms”.    
exposure”. ADIs are established by the WHO a nd Food and Agriculture Organization of the 
United Nations (FAO) joint expert committees, 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 MRLs. 
1.2. SUMMARY OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT 
The proposed MRLs have been thoroughly a ssessed in accordance with international 
methodologies such as those utilised by the expert committees advising the Codex 
Alimentarius Commission (Codex).  Information on the technical assessment of each proposal is included in this document (refer s ection 2) and covers the following:  
 Rationale; 
 chemical information; 
 good agricultural practice (GAP); 
 residues information; 
 dietary risk assessment; 
 toxicological / public health assessment; and 
 international MRLs. 
 MAF reviewed the estimated dietary exposur e assessments for the application of the 
proposals in this discussion paper and has determ ined that the residues associated with the 
proposed MRLs do not present any pub lic health and safety concerns. 
 
New MRLs 
MAF proposes to add the following new MRLs to the MRL Standards:  
 0.01mg/kg for forchlorfenuron when used as  a plant growth regulator on apples; 
 0.02mg/kg for thiacloprid when used  as an insecticide on potatoes; 
 0.3mg/kg for spirotetramat when used as an insecticide on tomatoes; 
 0.01mg/kg, and 0.05mg/kg for phosphine when us ed as an insecticide on: any food 
(except cereal grains and pome fruits);  and pome fruits (respectively); and 
 9mg/kg, 4mg/kg, and 4mg/kg for nicarbazin wh en used as a coccidiostat on poultry: 
edible offal; muscle; and skin/fat (respectively). 
 
MRL  Exemptions 
MAF proposes to exempt the following MRLs from the MRL Standards: 
 Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride when  applied as a fungici de on pipfruits;  
 Ethylene when used for ripening and de-greening of fruits; and 
 Phosphorous acid when directly used as an agricultural compound, and a 
representative of the use of fosetyl al uminium as an agricultural compound; and 
 Lecirelin when used as a tr eatment of fertility disorder s of ovarian origin and/or 
anoestrus, for the purpose of inducing ovul ation and increasing conception rates in 
cattle, horses, and rabbits. 
1.3. NEXT STEPS 
Following the closing date for submissions 5:00pm on Friday 1 July 2011 , all submissions 
will be considered and analysed before a reco mmendation is made to the Minister for Food 
Safety, who makes the final decision on issui ng any amendments to the MRL Standards.  
 If an amendment is agreed upon, it will be sign ed by the Minister for Food Safety and will 
come into force 28 days after being published in the New Zealand Gazette.  
Proposals to Amend (No. 1) the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2011   3 2. PROPOSALS 
2.1. PROPOSAL TO SET AN MRL FOR FORCHLORFENURON 
It is proposed that an MRL is set for forchlorfenuron when used on apples. It is proposed that 
Schedule One of the MRL Standards be amended to include the following, and that this will 
be the resulting entry for forchlorfenuron in Schedule One of the MRL Standards: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue 
Limit (mg/kg) 
Forchlorfenuron 68157-60-8 Forchl orfenuron Apples 0.01(*) 
NOTE: (*) indicates that the MRL has been set at or about the limit of analytical quantification. 
 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRL represents a new use pattern in New Zealand for the active ingredient 
forchlorfenuron. The proposed MRL will manage the use of forchlorfenuron as a plant growth 
regulator in apples, to the appl ication rates and wit hholding periods that are proposed as GAP 
in New Zealand. 
 
Chemical Information 
Common name of compound Forchlorfenuron 
Use of compound Plant growth regulator 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number 68157-60-8 
Type of compound Phenylurea 
Administration method Spray 
 
Good Agricultural Practice (GAP)  
Forchlorfenuron is proposed for use as a plant growth regulator for fruit sizing in apples.  
Application is as a single foliar spray, at a ra te of 0.5–1gai/100L forchlorfenuron in 2000L 
water/ha (10–20gai/ha), made no later than when fruit size measured as an average of king 
fruit across the tree are 10mm in diameter.    
 
Residues Information  
The residue data for apples  supports a limit of quantif ication MRL of 0.01mg/kg for 
forchlorfenuron when the last treatment is made  no later than when fruit size measured as an 
average of king fruit across the tree are 10mm in diameter.  An MRL of 0.01mg/kg is 
proposed to support GAP.  
 
Dietary  Risk Assessment 
Acceptable Daily Intake 0.15mg/kg bw/day 
 
The potential daily exposure via food (PDE food) is used for dietary intake calculation where a 
value has been set.  An appropriate acceptable da ily intake (ADI) is used in the absence of a 
PDE food. 
 
The chronic dietary exposure to forchlorfenu ron is estimated by the National Estimated 
Dietary Intake (NEDI) calculation encompassing all registered uses of the chemical and food consumption data based upon the 1997 National Nutritional Survey for adults and the 1995 National Nutrition Survey of Australia, for children. The NEDI calculation is made in 
accordance with Guidelines for predicting dietary intake of pesticide residues (revised)  
[World Health Organization, 1997].  The NEDI for forchlorfenuron is equivalent to less than 0.05% of the ADI . It is therefore 
concluded that the chronic dietary exposure is small a nd the risk is acceptable. 
Proposals to Amend (No. 1) the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2011   4  
Toxicological / Public Health Assessment  
It has been determined that the use of forchl orfenuron as a plant growth  regulator in apples 
according to GAP (specified above), is very unlikely to pose any health risks from 
consumption of treated produce.   
 
Other International MRLs 
Compound Food Maximum Residue Limit (mg/kg) 
European Commission   
Forchlorfenuron Apples (Crab apple) 0.05* 
Japan   
Forchlorfenuron Apple 0.1 
 Under Provision 6(3)(b) of the MRL Standa rds imported food may contain residues of 
agricultural compounds no greater than the MRLs specified for that food in the current 
editions or supplements of the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Co mmission publications 
Pesticide Residues in Food  or Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods. 
 To meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures the proposed MRL will be  notified to the World Trade Organization.  
Any country may choose to comment if they beli eve the proposed MRL repr esents a barrier to 
their trade. 
2.2. PROPOSAL TO SET AN MRL FOR THIACLOPRID 
It is proposed that an MRL is set for thiacloprid when used as an insecticide on potatoes. It is proposed that Schedule One of the MRL Sta ndards be amended to include the following:
 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue Limit 
(mg/kg) 
Thiacloprid 111988-49-9 Thiacloprid Potatoes 0.02 (*) 
NOTE: (*) indicates that the MRL has been set at or about the limit of analytical quantification. 
 
The final entry for thiacloprid in Schedule On e of the MRL Standards will therefore read: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue Limit 
(mg/kg) 
Thiacloprid 111988-49-9 Thiacloprid Avocados Kiwifruit Onions Pomefruits 
Potatoes 
Stonefruits (except cherries) 0.05 0.02 (*) 0.01 (*) 0.3 
0.02 (*) 
0.02 (*) 
 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRL represents a new use pattern in New Zealand for the active ingredient 
thiacloprid. The proposed MRL will manage the use of thiacloprid as an insecticide to control aphids, potato tuber moth and tomato/potato psy llid for potatoes, to the application rates and 
withholding periods that are pr oposed as GAP in New Zealand. 
 
Chemical Information  
Common name of compound Thiacloprid 
Use of compound Insecticide 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number 111988-49-9 
Type of compound Neonicotinoid 
Administration method Spray 
 
Proposals to Amend (No. 1) the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2011   5 Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) 
Thiacloprid is proposed for use as an insecticide for potatoes.  For aphids and potato tuber 
moth, application is at first a ppearance and repeated at 14–21 days  with the appli cation rate of 
75gai/ha. For potato/tomato psyllid s, application is up to two a pplications at 97.5gai/ha and a 
7–10 day interval as part of a programme with sufficient wa ter for good coverage of all 
foliage.    
 
Residues Information  
The residue data for potatoes supports a limit of quantification MRL of 0.02mg/kg for 
thiacloprid when the last treatment is 14 days  prior to harvest.  An MRL of 0.02 mg/kg is 
proposed to support GAP.  
 
Dietary Risk Assessment 
Acceptable Daily Intake 0.01mg/kg bw/day 
 
The potential daily exposure via food (PDE food) is used for dietary intake calculation where a 
value has been set.  An appropriate acceptable da ily intake (ADI) is used in the absence of a 
PDE food. 
 
The chronic dietary exposure to thiacloprid is estimated by the National Estimated Dietary Intake (NEDI) calculation enco mpassing all registered uses of the chemical and food 
consumption data based upon the 1997 National Nutritional Survey for adults and the 1995 National Nutrition Survey of Australia, for children. The NEDI calculation is made in 
accordance with Guidelines for predicting dietary intake of pesticide residues (revised)  
[World Health Organization, 1997].  The NEDI for thiacloprid is equi valent to less than 5% of th e ADI. It is therefore concluded 
that the chronic dietary exposure is small and the risk is acceptable. 
 
Toxicological / Public Health Assessment  
It has been determined that the use of thiacl oprid as an insecticide for potatoes according to 
the GAP specified above, is very unlikely to pose any health risks from consumption of 
treated produce.   
 
Other International MRLs 
Compound Food Maximum Residue Limit (mg/kg) 
Codex Alimentarius   
Thiacloprid Potatoes 0.02 
European Commission    
Thiacloprid Potatoes 0.02* 
Japan   
Thiacloprid Potatoes 0.1 
 Under Provision 6(3)(b) of the MRL Standa rds imported food may contain residues of 
agricultural compounds no greater than the MRLs specified for that food in the current 
editions or supplements of the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Co mmission publications 
Pesticide Residues in Food  or Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods.   
 To meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures the proposed MRL will be  notified to the World Trade Organization.  
Any country may choose to comment if they beli eve the proposed MRL repr esents a barrier to 
their trade. 
Proposals to Amend (No. 1) the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2011   6  
2.3. PROPOSAL TO SET AN MRL FOR SPIROTETRAMAT 
It is proposed that an MRL is set for spirotetrama t when used as an inse cticide for tomatoes. It 
is proposed that Schedule One of the MRL Sta ndards be amended to include the following: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue Limit 
(mg/kg) 
Spirotetramat 203313-25-1 Sum of: Spirotetramat and its enol metabolite Expressed as: Spirotetramat Tomatoes 0.3  
 
The final entry for spirotetramat in Schedule One of the MRL Standards will therefore read: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue Limit 
(mg/kg) 
Spirotetramat 203313-25-1 Sum of: Spirotetramat and its enol metabolite Expressed as: 
Spirotetramat  
Kiwifruit Potatoes 
Tomatoes  
0.1 0.5 
0.3  
 
 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRLs represent a new use in New Zealand for the active ingredient  
spirotetramat. The proposed MRL will manage the new use of spirotetramat as an insecticide 
to control potato/tomato psyllid in tomatoes, to  the application rates and withholding periods 
that are proposed as GAP in New Zealand. 
 
Chemical Information 
Common name of compound  Spirotetramat 
Use of compound  Insecticide 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number  203313-25-1 
Type of compound  Tetramic acid 
Administration method  Spray 
 
Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) 
Spirotetramat is proposed for use as an insecticid e for tomatoes.  Applicat ion is twice early in 
the season as a full foliage cover spray, 7 days apart, at a rate of 84gai/ha. 
 
Residues Information  
Residue data for tomatoes supports an MRL of  0.3mg/kg for spirotetramat when the last 
treatment is 35 days prior to harvest.  An MRL of 0.3mg/kg is therefore proposed to support 
GAP.  
 
Dietary Risk Assessment 
Potential Daily Exposure  0.004mg/kg bw/day 
 
The potential daily exposure via food (PDE food) is used for dietary intake calculation where a 
value has been set.   
 The PDE
food is a value set by the Environmental Ri sk Management Authority New Zealand 
(ERMA NZ), which represents the proportion of the acceptable daily exposure (ADE) to a 
substance via the food route as relevant to the New Zealand population.  The methodology for 
calculation of these values is se t out in the Hazardous Substan ces (classes 6, 8, and 9 controls) 
Regulations 2001 and can be found at www.legislation.govt.nz . 
 
Proposals to Amend (No. 1) the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2011   7 The chronic dietary exposure to spirotetramat is estimated by the National Estimated Dietary 
Intake (NEDI) calculation enco mpassing all registered uses of the chemical and food 
consumption data based upon the 1997 National Nutritional Survey for adults and the 1995 
National Nutrition Survey of Australia, for children. The NEDI calculation is made in 
accordance with Guidelines for predicting dietary intake of pesticide residues (revised)  
[World Health Organization, 1997].  The NEDI for spirotetramat is equivalent to less than 30% of the PDE
food. It is therefore 
concluded that the chronic dietary exposure is small a nd the risk is acceptable. 
 
Toxicological / Public Health Assessment  
It has been determined that the use of spirot etramat as an insecticide for tomatoes, according 
to the GAP specified above, is very unlikely to  pose any health risks from consumption of 
treated produce.   
 
Other International MRLs 
Compound Food Maximum Residue Limit (mg/kg) 
Australia   
Spirotetramat Tomatoes T[temporary]7 
European Commission   
Spirotetramat Tomatoes 2 
Japan   
Spirotetramat Tomatoes 1 
United State of America   
Spirotetramat Vegetable, fruiting, group 8 2.5 
 Under Provision 6(3)(b) of the NZ (MRL) F ood Standards 2010 imported food may contain 
residues of agricultural compounds no greater than the MRLs specified for that food in the 
current editions or supplements of th e FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission 
publications Pesticide Residues in Food  or Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods . 
 To meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures the proposed MRL will be  notified to the World Trade Organization.  
Any country may choose to comment if they beli eve the proposed MRL repr esents a barrier to 
their trade. 
2.4. PROPOSAL TO SET MRLS FOR PHOSPHINE 
It is proposed that an MRL is set for phosphine wh en used as a fumigant for pome fruits. It is 
proposed that Schedule One of  the MRL Standards be ame nded by deleting the following 
entry: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue Limit 
(mg/kg) 
Phosphine 7803-51-2 Hydrogen phosphide 
(phosphine) Any food (except cereal grains) 0.01 
 
 
As a replacement for the deleted entry, is pr oposed that Schedule One of the MRL Standards 
be amended to include the following entry: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue Limit (mg/kg) 
Phosphine 7803-51-2 Hydrogen phosphide (phosphine) Any food (except cereal grains and 
pome fruits) Pome fruits 0.01 
 
 0.05 
 
Proposals to Amend (No. 1) the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2011   8  
The final entry for phosphine in Schedule One of the MRL Standards will therefore read: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue Limit 
(mg/kg) 
Phosphine 7803-51-2 Hydrogen phosphide (phosphine) Any food (except cereal grains and pome fruits) 
Cereal grains 
Pome fruits 0.01 
  
0.1(*) 0.05 
NOTE: (*) indicates that the MRL has been set at or about the limit of analytical quantification. 
 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRL represents an extension of  the use pattern for the active ingredient 
phosphine. It will manage the extension of the use of phosphine  as a fumigant to control 
codling moth eggs and larvae in pome fruits, to the application rate s and withholding periods 
that are proposed as GAP in New Zealand. 
 
Chemical Information 
Common name of compound  Phosphine 
Use of compound  Insecticide 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number  7803-51-2 
Type of compound  Fumigant 
Administration method  Spray 
 
Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) 
Phosphine is used as an insec ticide for pome fruits.  It is to be applied at 2500ppm to fruit 
stored at 0–2°C at an exposure time of 96 hours. Pome fruits ar e then ventilated and withheld 
for two days before entering the food chain. 
 
Residues Information  
Residue data for the pome fruits supports an MRL of 0.05mg/kg for phosphine when pome 
fruit are withheld for 2 days following ventilat ion of the fumigation treatments. An MRL of 
0.05mg/kg is therefore proposed to support GAP.  
 
Dietary Risk Assessment 
Potential Daily Exposure  0.0002mg/kg bw/day 
 
The potential daily exposure via food (PDE food) is used for dietary intake calculation where a 
value has been set.   
 
The PDE food is a value set by the Environmental Ri sk Management Authority New Zealand 
(ERMA NZ), which represents the proportion of the acceptable daily exposure (ADE) to a 
substance via the food route as relevant to the New Zealand population.  The methodology for 
calculation of these values is se t out in the Hazardous Substan ces (classes 6, 8, and 9 controls) 
Regulations 2001 and can be found at www.legislation.govt.nz . 
 The chronic dietary exposure to phosphine is estimated by the National Estimated Dietary Intake (NEDI) calculation enco mpassing all registered uses of the chemical and food 
consumption data based upon the 1997 National Nutritional Survey for adults and the 1995 National Nutrition Survey of Australia, for children. The NEDI calculation is made in 
accordance with Guidelines for predicting dietary intake of pesticide residues (revised)  
[World Health Organization, 1997].  The NEDI for phosphine is equivalent  to less than 42% of the PDE
food. It is therefore 
concluded that the chronic dietary exposure is small a nd the risk is acceptable. 
Proposals to Amend (No. 1) the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2011   9 Toxicological / Public Health Assessment  
It has been determined that the use of phosphine  as an insecticide for pome fruits, according 
to the GAP specified above, is very unlikely to  pose any health risks from consumption of 
treated produce.   
 
Other International MRLs 
Compound Food Maximum Residue Limit (mg/kg) 
Australia   
Phosphine Pome fruits T[temporary]0.01 
European Commission   
Phosphine Pome fruits 0.05 
Japan   
Hydrogen Phosphide Apples, Pears 0.01 
 
Under Provision 6(3)(b) of the MRL Standa rds imported food may contain residues of 
agricultural compounds no greater than the MRLs specified for that food in the current 
editions or supplements of the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Co mmission publications 
Pesticide Residues in Food  or Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods. 
 
To meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary Measures the proposed MRL will be  notified to the World Trade Organization.  
Any country may choose to comment if they beli eve the proposed MRL repr esents a barrier to 
their trade. 
2.5. PROPOSAL TO SET MRLS FOR NICARBAZIN 
It is proposed that an MRL is set for nicarba zin when used as an anticoccidial agent for 
broiler chickens. It is proposed that Schedule One of the MRL Standards be amended by deleting the following entry: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue Limit 
(mg/kg) 
Nicarbazin 330-95-0 1,3-N,N’-bis (4 nitrophenyl) urea as nicarbazin Edible offal of poultry Poultry fat 
Poultry meat 0.5 
 
0.5 0.5 
 
As a replacement for the edited entry, is propos ed that Schedule One of the MRL Standards 
be amended to include the following which will be the final entry: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue Limit (mg/kg) 
Nicarbazin 330-95-0 1,3-N,N’-bis (4 nitrophenyl) urea as 
nicarbazin Poultry edible offal 
Poultry muscle 
Poultry skin/fat 9   
4  
4  
 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRLs represent an amendment to the current produc t use patterns to decrease 
the withholding period to nil da ys. To support the proposed withholding period it is required 
that the MRLs be increased to support the increased residues expected in animal tissue at 
slaughter. The adoption of these MRLs and use pattern is also intended to allow greater 
harmonisation with MRLs set overseas. 
 
Chemical Information 
Common name of compound  Nicarbazin (a complex of two compounds, 4,4'-
dinitrocarbanilide (DNC) and 4,6-dimethyl-2-
pyrimidinol (HDP). DNC is the active component 
Use of compound  Coccidiostat 
Proposals to Amend (No. 1) the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2011   10  
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number  330-95-0 
Type of compound  Nitrophenylurea with pyrimidin 
Administration method  Feed 
 
Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) 
Nicarbazin is used as an anticoccidial agent for br oiler chickens.  It is to be applied as a feed 
with 40–50g of nicarbazin activity per tonne of complete feed and to be fed continuously to 
broiler chickens as the only ration for at least 14–28 days. 
 
Residues Information  
Residue data for broiler chickens supports MR Ls of 9mg/kg (poultry offal), 4mg/kg (muscle), 
4mg/kg (skin/fat) for nicarbazin in animals sl aughtered immediately af ter the conclusion of 
treatment. MRLs of 9mg/kg (poultry offal), 4m g/kg (muscle), 4mg/kg (ski n/fat) are therefore 
proposed to support GAP.  
 
Dietary Risk Assessment 
Acceptable Daily Intake  0.77mg/kg bw/day 
 
The potential daily exposure via food (PDE food) is used for dietary intake calculation where a 
value has been set.  An appropriate acceptable da ily intake (ADI) is used in the absence of a 
PDE food. 
 
The chronic dietary exposure to nicarbazin is estimated by the National Estimated Dietary Intake (NEDI) calculation enco mpassing all registered uses of the chemical and food 
consumption data based upon the 1997 National Nutritional Survey for adults and the 1995 National Nutrition Survey of Australia, for children. The NEDI calculation is made in 
accordance with Guidelines for predicting dietary intake of pesticide residues (revised)  
[World Health Organization, 1997].  The NEDI for nicarbazin is equivalent to less than 1% of the ADI. It is therefore concluded 
that the chronic dietary exposure is small and the risk is acceptable. 
 
Toxicological / Public Health Assessment  
It has been determined that th e use of nicarbazin as a anticocci dial agent for broiler chickens, 
according to the GAP specified above, is very  unlikely to pose any health risks from 
consumption of treated produce.   
 
 Other International MRLs 
Compound Food Maximum Residue Limit (mg/kg) 
Australia 
Chicken kidney 20 
Chicken liver 35 
Chicken muscle 5 Nicarbazin 
Chicken skin/fat 10 
Codex 
Chicken kidney 0.2 
Chicken liver 0.2 
Chicken muscle 0.2 Nicarbazin 
Chicken skin/fat 0.2 
European Commission  
Chicken kidney 6 
Chicken liver 15 
Chicken muscle 4 Nicarbazin 
Chicken skin/fat 4 
Proposals to Amend (No. 1) the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2011   11  United State of America 
Chicken kidney 4 
Chicken liver 4 
Chicken muscle 4 Nicarbazin 
Chicken skin/fat 4 
Japan  
Chicken kidney 0.2 
Chicken liver 0.2 
Chicken muscle 0.2  
Chicken skin/fat 0.5 
Under Provision 6(3)(b) of the MRL Standa rds imported food may contain residues of 
agricultural compounds no greater than the MRLs specified for that food in the current 
editions or supplements of the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Co mmission publications 
Pesticide Residues in Food  or Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods. 
 
To meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures the proposed MRL will be  notified to the World Trade Organization.  
Any country may choose to comment if they beli eve the proposed MRL repr esents a barrier to 
their trade. 
2.6 PROPOSAL TO EXEMPT DIDECYL DI METHYL AMMONIUM CHLORIDE FROM 
AN MRL 
It is proposed that a MRL exemption be se t for didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride 
(DDAC) when used as a fungicide on pipfruits.  
 
It is proposed that Schedule Two of the MRL Standards be amended to include the following; 
and that this will be the resulting entry fo r DDAC in Schedule Two of the MRL Standards: 
Compound CAS# Condition 
Didecyl Dimethyl 
Ammonium Chloride 7173-51-5 When applied as a fungicide on pipfruits 
 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRL exemption represents a new use pattern for DDAC.  The complexity of 
the compound i.e. it is a mixture of alkyl-quate rnary ammonium salts with typical alkyl chain 
lengths of C8, C10 and C12, mean s it is not suitable to be managed against a concentration 
limit. Therefore it can be exempted from the requirement of an MRL. 
 
Chemical Information 
Common name of compound Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride 
Use of compound Sanitiser 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number 7173-51-5  
Type of compound Quaternary ammonium 
Administration method Spray 
 
Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) 
DDAC is proposed for use as a fungicide tr eatment for pipfruits. Management of GAP 
through the establishment of MRLs has been de emed unsuitable given that there are too many 
other variables to allow a good judgment to be  made as to whether an MRL breach would 
represent misuse, including its presence in ex empt agricultural chemicals and in surface 
sanitizers. 
 
 
Proposals to Amend (No. 1) the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2011   12  
Dietary Risk Assessment 
No acceptable daily intake has been set for DDAC.  However, it is used safely in many 
cleaning products for residential premise, pub lic access premise and medical premise. Trace 
amounts of DDAC may be consumed with no incident through accidental contamination of food and water with surface cleaners. No dietary ri sk is expected through the use of DDAC on 
pipfruits. 
 
Toxicological / Public Health Assessment  
Apart from its corrosive property, DDAC does not trigger any of the chronic toxicity endpoints. Therefore, the exemption of DDAC  from an MRL to the conditions specified 
above is very unlikely to pos e any health risks from c onsumption of the harvested 
commodity. 
2.7. PROPOSAL TO EXEMPT ETHYLENE FROM AN MRL 
It is proposed that an MRL exemption be set for ethylene when used in the ripening process of fruits.  
 
It is proposed that Schedule Two of the MRL Standards be amended to include the following; 
and that this will be the resulting entry for ethylene in Schedule Two of the MRL Standards: 
Compound CAS# Condition 
Ethylene 74-85-1 When used for ripening and de-greening of fruits 
 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRL exemption represents a new use pattern for ethylene. Based on its natural production rate being high in plants, including in leaves, stems, roots, fl owers, fruits, tubers, 
and seedlings, any ethylene used as an ag ricultural compound would be undistinguishable 
from naturally occurring levels.  As such it  is not suitable to be managed against a 
concentration limit and can be exempted from the requirement of an MRL. 
 
Chemical Information 
Common name of compound Ethylene 
Use of compound Ripening of fruits 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number 74-85-1  
Type of compound Unsaturated hydrocarbon 
Administration method Gas 
 
Good Agricultural Practice 
Ethylene is proposed for use in accelerating the ripening and de-greening process of fruit at a 
dose rate of up to 10ppm for a maximum of 120 hours via a trickle gas system. 
 
Dietary Risk Assessment 
Ethylene is produced naturally by ripening plants and released as a volatile gas.  Levels of 
ethylene remaining in the plant are likely to be regulated by biological mechanisms to natural 
levels.  As such there is no di etary risk associated with th is exemption above that from 
untreated fruits. 
 
Toxicological / Public Health Assessment  
The exemption of ethylene from an MRL to the conditions specified above is very unlikely to 
pose any health risks from consum ption of the harvested commodity. 
Proposals to Amend (No. 1) the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2011   13 2.8. PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE EXEMP TION OF PHOSPHORUS ACID FROM AN 
MRL 
It is proposed that the current MRL exemption of phosphorous acid when used an agricultural 
compound be extended so that it covers residues arising from the use of fosetyl aluminium as 
an agricultural compound. 
 
It is proposed that Schedule Two of the MRL Standards be amended to include the following; 
and that this will be the resulting entry fo r phosphorous acid in Schedule Two of the MRL 
Standards: 
Compound CAS# Condition 
Phosphorous acid 10294-56-1 or 
13598-36-2 When directly used as an agricultural compound, and a representative of the use of fosetyl aluminium as an agricultural compound. 
 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed extension to the current MRL exemption of phosphorous acid is based on the 
fact that fosetyl-aluminum rapidly degrades in plants to phosphorous acid. Phosphorous acid 
in plants does not only result from the use of  fosetyl-aluminium. It can be from other 
pesticides, foliar fertilizers, and other or ganic products used fo r foliar fertilisation. 
 
Chemical Information 
Common name of compound Fosetyl Aluminium 
Use of compound Fungicide 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number 39148-24-8 
Type of compound Organophosphorus fungicide 
Administration method Spray 
 
Good Agricultural Practice 
Fosetyl-aluminium is currently approve d as a fungicide for the control of phytophthora  in 
pome fruit, ornamentals, kiwifruit, avoca dos, and citrus fruit at a rate of 2–4gai/L. 
 
Dietary Risk Assessment 
Fosetyl-aluminium and phosphoric acid have lo w toxicity profiles with acceptable daily 
intake values of 3mg/kg bw/d and 3.9mg/kg bw /d for fosetyl-aluminum and phosphorous acid 
respectively. As levels of phosphorus acid resulting form use of foseyl-aluminium are 
unlikely to result from use of phosphorus acid dire ctly there is no increas ed dietary risk from 
extending the MRL exemption. 
 
Toxicological / Public Health Assessment  
The extension of the exemption for phosphorus aci d to cover the use of fosetyl-aluminium is 
very unlikely to pose any hea lth risks from consumption of the harvested commodity. 
2.9. PROPOSAL TO EXEMPT LECIRELIN FROM AN MRL 
It is proposed that lecrelin be exempted from an MRL when used as a treatment for 
reproductive conditions in cattl es, horses, and rabbits.   
 
It is proposed that Schedule Three of the MRL Standards be amended to include the following; and that this will be the resulting en try for lecirelin in Schedule Three of the MRL 
Standards: 
Compound CAS# Condition 
Lecirelin 61012-19-9 When uses as a treatment of fertility disorders of ovar ian origin and/or 
anoestrus, for the purpose of inducing ovulation and increasing conception 
rates in cattle, horses, and rabbits. 
Proposals to Amend (No. 1) the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2011   14  
Proposals to Amend (No. 1) the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2011   15 Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRL exemption represents the regi stration of a novel active  ingredient in New 
Zealand, with the proposed use as a treatment fo r reproductive conditions in cattles, horses, 
and rabbits. The proposed use of the compound mean s that it will be used as a treatment for 
individual animals that are unlik ely to go for slaughter immediately after treatmen t.  Lecirelin 
is rapidly eliminated from animal tissues. As such it is deemed appropriate to exempt lecirelin 
from the requirement to comply with an MRL. 
 
Chemical Information 
Common name of compound Lecirelin 
Use of compound Veterinary Treatment 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number 61012-19-9 
Type of compound Nonapeptide 
Administration method Injection 
 
Good Agricultural Practice 
Lecirelin is proposed to treat re productive conditions in cattle s, horses and rabbits at a dose 
rate of up to 100ug for cows and mares a nd 8ug for dose via intramuscular injection.  
 
Residues Information  
Pharmacokinetics of lecirelin indicates that it rapidly eliminated from the animal tissues within 24 hours. Residues are not expected to be detected after this time. Due to the nature of the treatment, animals would not be sent fo r slaughter immediatel y after application. 
 
Dietary Risk Assessment 
Due to the lack of expected residues in consumed animal tissue and the fact that the compound is a peptide, it will be rapidly dena tured in the stomach.  Therefore there is no 
dietary risk associated with this exemption. 
 
Toxicological / Public Health Assessment  
Because recently treated animals are very un likely to enter the food chain, and there is no 
dietary risk associated with th is use, it can be concluded that  there is no public health risk 
associated with this MRL exemption.