Proposals to Amend the New Zealand 
(Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural 
Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
 
NZFSA Public Discussion Paper 01/08 
30 May 2008 
 
Online 
ISBN number 978-0-478-32207-1 
ISSN number 1177-7478Print 
ISBN number 978-0-478-32206-4 
ISSN number 1174-961X Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
 
  
I
MPORTANT DISCLAIMER  
 
Every effort has been made to ensure the information in this report is accurate. 
 
NZFSA does not accept any responsibility or liabilit y whatsoever for any error of fact, omission, 
interpretation or opinion that may be present, however it may have occurred. 
 
Further copies 
 
Requests for further copies should be directed to:   
 
New Zealand Food Safety Authority 
P O Box 2835 
WELLINGTON 
Telephone: (04) 894-2500 
Fax: (04) 894-2583 
 
 
Website 
 
A copy of this document can be found at: http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/policy-law/consultation/index.htm  
  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
2Submissions  
NZFSA seeks submissions from all interested parties on any aspect of the document.  The 
following points may be of assistance in preparing comments: 
• Wherever possible, comment should be specific to a particular section in the document.  All 
major sections are numbered and these numbers should be used to link comments to the document. 
• Omissions should be clearly and separately indicated. 
• Comments should be to the point and, wher e possible, reasons and data to support 
comment are 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, pr 
make sure the comments are clearly had-written in black or blue ink. 
Please include the following information in your submission: 
• The title of the discussion document; 
• Your name and title (if applicable); 
• Your organisation’s name (if applicable); 
• Your address; 
• The number(s) of the sections you are commenting on. 
Please submit your response by 5:00pm on Wednesday 30
th July 2008 to: 
MRL Amendments, Policy Group, New Zealand Food Safety Authority 
PO Box 2835, Wellington, fax: (04) 894 2583, or email: policy@nzfsa.govt.nz  
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 in formation could include that information is 
commercially sensitive or that the submitters wish personal information such as names or 
contact details to be withheld.  NZFSA will take such indications into account when determining 
whether or not to release information.  Any dec ision to withhold information requested under the 
OIA may be reviewed by the Ombudsman. 
  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
3Table of Contents 
Table of Co ntents.................................................................................................... 3  
Introducti on............................................................................................................. 4  
Backgrou nd............................................................................................................. 4  
Summary of Proposed  Amendment...................................................................... 6  
Next Steps ............................................................................................................... 7  
1 Proposal to set an MRL for Chloramp henicol ........................................... 8  
2 Proposal to set an MRL f or Chlorantra niliprole ...................................... 10  
3 Proposal to set an MRL for Cy moxanil .................................................... 12  
4 Proposal to set an MRL for Cy prodinil ..................................................... 14  
5 Proposal to set an MR L for Fludi oxinil..................................................... 16  
6 Proposal to set an MRL f or Formetanate Hy drochloride ....................... 18  
7 Proposal to set an MR L for Linc omycin................................................... 20  
8 Proposal set an MRL for Myclobut anil ..................................................... 22  
9 Proposal to set an MRL for Ne omycin ..................................................... 24  
10 Proposal to set an MRL for Sp inosad ...................................................... 27  
11 Proposal to exempt Chlorhexi dine ........................................................... 30  
  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
4Introduction 
The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA)  invites public comment on this discussion 
document which outlines proposals to amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of 
Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008.  
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 exp licitly defined or regulated, but is the generally 
accepted means for producing safe primary produc e in a particular location while taking account 
of climate, pests or diseases an d other environmental factors.   
MRLs are used to minimise risks to public health by ensuring that chemical residues in food are 
as low as practicable, without compromising the ability of the chem ical to successfully do what 
is intended.  
Background 
MRLs are set out in the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural Compounds) 
Food Standards. The Standards are amended a number of times each year to reflect changes 
in the use of agricultural compounds in the production of food.  The current MRL Food 
Standards 2008 are on the NZFSA website at: http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/policy-
law/legislation/food-standards/index.htm  
NZFSA administers the MRL Standards, but the final decision on any changes to the Standards 
rests with the Minister for Food Safety.  Under section 11E of the Food Act, 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 consistency between New Zealand's food standards and 
those applying internationally 
• New Zealand's obligations under any relevant international treaty, agreement, convention, 
or protocol, and, in particular, under the Australia-New Zealand Joint Food Standards 
Agreement 
• such other matters as the Minister considers appropriate.  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
5The proposed MRLs have been thoroughly assess ed in accordance with international 
methodologies such as those utilised by the ex pert committees advising the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission (Codex).  Information on the technical assessment of each proposal is included in 
this document and covers the following:  
• rationale 
• chemical information 
• good agricultural practice (GAP) 
• residues information 
• dietary risk assessment 
• toxicological / public health assessment 
• international MRLs. 
Possible implications for public health are considered during the toxicological and dietary risk 
assessments, by comparing the estimated dietary in take with a Potential Daily Exposure (food) 
(PDE food) or where there is no PDE food, by comparing it with the Acce ptable Daily Intake (ADI).  
PDE food and ADI are described below.   
A PDE food or Potential Daily Exposure (food), is a va lue determined by a toxicological evaluation 
by Environmental Risk Management Authority New Zealand (ERMA NZ) as part of its 
responsibilities under the Hazardous Substances and Ne w Organisms Act (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.  NZFSA uses a PDE food, rather 
than the internationally-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 similar scientific process. 
An ADI or Acceptable Daily Inta ke is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as: “The 
daily intake which, during an entire lifetime, appea rs 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 lif etime of exposure”.  ADIs are 
established by the WHO and 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 t he Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), which 
sets international MRLs.  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
6NZFSA has reviewed the estimated dietary exposur e assessments for the applications of these 
proposals and has determined that the residues as sociated with the proposed MRLs do not present 
any public health and safety concerns. 
Summary of Proposed Amendment 
New MRLs 
NZFSA proposes to add the following new MRLs to the Standards:  
• 0.0003mg/kg for chloramphenicol in any food 
• 0.3mg/kg for chlorantraniliprole in brassica vegetables and pomefruit; 
• 0.05mg/kg for cymoxanil in garlic, onions and potatoes; 
• 1mg/kg for cyprodinil in strawberries;  
• 1mg/kg for fludioxinil in strawberries; 
• 0.2mg/kg for formetanate hydrochloride in onions; 
• 0.15mg/kg for lincomycin in cattle milk; 
• 0.02mg/kg for myclobutanil in cucurbits (inedible peel); 
• 1.5mg/kg for neomycin in cattle milk as a replacement for 0.5mg/kg for neomycin in cattle 
milk; and 
• 0.05mg/kg for spinosad in tomatoes as a replacement for 0.01mg/kg for spinosad in 
tomatoes. 
New MRL Exemptions 
NZFSA proposes to add the following MRL exemption to the Standards:  
• Chlorhexidine and its digluconate salt when appl ied as a topical antiseptic to all food 
producing species except fish. 
                                                                                                                                                            
 
1The purpose of the HSNO Act 1996 is “to protect the environment, and the health and safety of people and communities, by 
preventing or managing the adver se effects of hazardous subs tances and new organisms”.    Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
7Next Steps 
Following the closing date for submissions (5:00pm on Wednesday 30th July 2008), all 
submissions will be considered and analysed before a recommendation is made to the Minister 
for Food Safety, the Hon Lianne Dalziel, who makes the final decision on issuing any 
amendments to the Food Standards.   
If an amendment is agreed upon, it will be signed by the Minister for Food Safety and will come 
into force 28 days after being published in the New Zealand Gazette.   Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
81 Proposal to set an MRL for Chloramphenicol  
It is proposed that an MRL is set for chloramphenicol when occurring as a veterinary medicine in all 
food products.  It is proposed that Schedule On e of the NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2008 be amended 
to include the following; this will be the resulting entry for chloramphenicol in Schedule One of the NZ 
(MRL) Food Standards 2008:  
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue 
Limit (mg/kg) 
Chloramphenicol  56-75-7 Sum of:  
chloramphenicol and 
chloramphenicol 
glucuronide 
Expressed as: 
chloramphenicol Any food   
0.0003* 
NOTE: (*) indicates that the maximum residue limit has been set at or about the limit of analytical 
quantification. 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRL for chloramphenicol represents th at is unacceptable for chloramphenicol to be 
used in veterinary medicine in New Zealand or to be detectable in any food products. This MRL will 
apply to all food products imported into, or produced in, New Zealand. 
Chemical Information 
Common name of compound Chloramphenicol 
Use of compound Antibiotic 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number 56-75-7 
Type of compound Phenicol 
Administration method n/a 
 
Good Agricultural Practice 
Chloramphenicol is not registered for use or used  in New Zealand and is widely banned or restricted 
overseas.  Given this status it is unacceptable that  it is used for any purpose leading to residues in 
food in New Zealand. 
Residues Information 
The proposed MRL is at the limit of analytical quantif ication.  Therefore, the MRL represents that no 
detectable residues of chloramphenicol should occur in any food products  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
9Dietary Risk Assessment 
As residues of chloramphenicol are proposed to be re gulated to the limit of analytical quantification in 
all food products, the proposal is not ex pected to result in any dietary risk. 
Toxicological / Public Health Assessment   
It has been determined that the use of chloramphenico l in the veterinary treatment of food producing 
animal species is unacceptable.  T herefore, regulating that no detectabl e residues shall occur in food 
products will ensure that there is no risk to public health.   
Other International MRLs 
Compound Food Maximum Residue Limit 
(mg/kg) 
Canada   
Chloramphenicol  All foods Banned 
European Union   
Chloramphenicol All foods 0.0003* 
 
To meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Ag reement 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 believe t he proposed MRL represents a barrier to their trade. 
  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
102 Proposal to set an MRL for Chlorantraniliprole  
It is proposed that an MRL is set for chlorantraniliprole when used  as an insecticide for brassica 
vegetables and pome fruits.  It is proposed that Sc hedule One of the NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2008 
be amended to include the following; this will be the resulting entry for chlorantraniliprole in Schedule 
One of the NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2008: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue 
Limit (mg/kg) 
Chlorantraniliprole  500008-45-7 Chlorantraniliprole Brassica 
vegetables Pome fruit   
0.3 0.3 
 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRL for chlorantraniliprole represents the registration in New Zealand of a new active 
ingredient.  The proposed MRL will manage the use of chlorantraniliprole as an insecticide on brassica 
vegetable and pome fruits to the application rates an d withholding periods that are approved good 
agricultural practice (GAP) in New Zealand (see below).  
Chemical Information 
Common name of compound Chlorantraniliprole 
Use of compound Insecticide 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number 500008-45-7 
Type of compound Diamide 
Administration method Spray 
 
Good Agricultural Practice 
Chlorantraniliprole is proposed for use as an insect icide for brassica vegetables.  Application may be 3 
times per season as pests appear, at 20gai/ha with a withholding period of 7 days.  
Chlorantraniliprole is also proposed for use as an insecticide for pome fruits.  Application may be 3 
times per season from petal fall, at 63gai/ha with a withholding period of 14 days.   
Residues Information 
Residue data for chlorantraniliprole in brassica vegetables supports an MRL of 0.3mg/kg at 7 days 
after the last treatment.  An MRL of 0.3mg/ kg is therefore proposed to support GAP. 
Residue data for chlorantraniliprole in pome fruits  supports an MRL of 0.3mg/kg at 14 days after the 
last treatment.  An MRL of 0.3mg/kg is therefore proposed to support GAP.  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
11Animal Transfer 
Residue transfer to animals grazing treated orchar ds has not been assessed as it is not acceptable 
practice that treated orchards be grazed.  An imals may consume treated  brassica vegetables, 
however it is not expected that residues will resu lt in any animal derived food products.  Animal 
derived food product limits are therefore not proposed.   
Dietary Risk Assessment 
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) 1.58mg/kg bw/day 
 
The potential daily ex posure via food (PDE (food)) is used for dietary intake calculation where a value 
has been set.  An appropriate acceptable daily in take (ADI) is used in the absence of a PDE (food). 
The chronic dietary exposure to ch lorantaniliprole is estimated by the National Estimated Dietary 
Intake (NEDI) calculation encompassing all regi stered uses of the chemical and food consumption 
data based upon the 1997 National Nutritional Surv ey 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 Organisation, 1997]. 
The NEDI for chlorantraniliprole is equivalent to 0. 03% of the ADI. It is therefore concluded that the 
chronic dietary exposure is sma ll and the risk is acceptable. 
Toxicological / Public Health Assessment   
It has been determined that the use of chlorantraniliprole as an insecticide for use on brassica 
vegetables and pome fruits, according to GAP specif ied above, is very unlikely to pose any health 
risks from consumption of the harvested commodities.   
Other International MRLs 
To meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Ag reement on the Application of Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary Measures the proposed MRLs will be notified to the World Trade Organization.  Any 
country may choose to comment if they believe t he proposed MRLs represent a barrier to their trade.  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
123 Proposal to set an MRL for Cymoxanil 
It is proposed that an MRL is set for cymoxanil when used as a fungicide for garlic, onions and 
potatoes.  It is proposed that Schedule One of the NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2008 be amended to 
include the following entries:  
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue 
Limit (mg/kg) 
Cymoxanil 57966-95-7 Cymoxanil Garlic 
Onions 
Potatoes 0.05* 
0.05* 
0.05* 
NOTE: (*) indicates that the maximum residue limit has been set at or about the limit of analytical 
quantification. 
The final entry for cymoxanil in Schedule One of  the NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2008 will therefore 
read: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue 
Limit (mg/kg) 
Cymoxanil 57966-95-7 Cymoxanil Garlic 
Onions Peas 
Potatoes 0.05* 
0.05* 0.05* 
0.05* 
NOTE: (*) indicates that the maximum residue limit has  been set at or about the limit of analytical 
quantification. 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRLs represent new use patterns in New Zealand of cymoxanil as a fungicide on garlic, 
onions and potatoes to the application rates an d withholding periods that are approved good 
agricultural practice (GAP) in New Zealand (see below).  
Chemical Information 
Common name of compound Cymoxanil 
Use of compound Fungicide 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number 57966-95-7 
Type of compound Aliphatic nitrogen 
Administration method Spray 
 
Good Agricultural Practice 
Cymoxanil is proposed for use as a fungicide for garlic, potatoes and onions.  Application may be 
throughout plant growth, at 0.09 - 0.165kgai/ha with a withholding period of 14 days.    Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
13Residues Information  
Residue data for garlic, onions and potatoes support limit of quantification MRLs of 0.05mg/kg at 14 
days after the last treatment.  MRLs of 0.05mg/ kg are therefore proposed to support GAP. 
Animal Transfer 
Animals may be fed failed crops of onions and potat oes.  Given that no residues are expected in 
treated crops, it is concluded that there is not lik ely to be any animal transfer of residues.  Animal 
derived food product limits are therefore not proposed. 
Dietary Risk Assessment 
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) 0.03mg/kg bw/day 
 
The potential daily ex posure via food (PDE (food)) is used for dietary intake calculation where a value 
has been set.  An appropriate acceptable daily in take (ADI) is used in the absence of a PDE (food). 
The chronic dietary exposure to cymoxanil is esti mated by the National Estimated Dietary Intake 
(NEDI) calculation encompassing all registered us es 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 calc ulation is made in accordance with Guidelines for predicting 
dietary intake of pesticide residues (revised)  [World Health Organisation, 1997]. 
The NEDI for cymoxanil is equivalent to 0.5% 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 the use of cymoxanil as a fungicide for use on garlic, onions and potatoes, 
according to the GAP specified above, is very unlik ely to pose any health risks from consumption of 
the harvested commodities.   
Other International MRLs 
Compound Food Maximum Residue Limit 
(mg/kg) 
The Netherlands   
Cymoxanil All foods 0.05* 
 
To meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Ag reement on the Application of Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary Measures the proposed MRLs will be notified to the World Trade Organization.  Any 
country may choose to comment if they believe the proposed MRLs represent a barrier to their trade.  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
144 Proposal to set an MRL for Cyprodinil  
It is proposed that an MRL is set for cyprodinil w hen used as a fungicide for strawberries.  It is 
proposed that Schedule One of the NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2008 be amended to include the 
following entry:  
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue 
Limit (mg/kg) 
Cyprodinil 121552-61-2 Cypr odinil Strawberries 1 
 
The final entry for cyprodinil in Schedule One of t he NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2008 will therefore 
read: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue 
Limit (mg/kg) 
Cyprodinil 121552-61-2 Cyprodinil Grapes 
Nectarines Peaches  
Pome  fruits  
Strawberries
 0.2 0.02 0.02 
0.01 
1
 
 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRL represents a new use pattern in Ne w Zealand for the active ingredient cyprodinil. 
The proposed MRL will manage the new use of cypr odinil as a fungicide on strawberries to the 
application rates and withholding periods that are ap proved good agricultural practice (GAP) in New 
Zealand (see below).  
Chemical Information 
Common name of compound Cyprodinil 
Use of compound Fungicide 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number 121552-61-2 
Type of compound Pyrimidine 
Administration method Spray 
 
Good Agricultural Practice 
Cyprodinil is proposed for use as a fungicide for stra wberries.  Application may be 2-3 times at 7-14 
day intervals after flowering, at 300gai/ha with a withholding period of 3 days.   
Residues Information  
Residue data for strawberries support an MRL of 1mg/kg  at 3 days after the last treatment.  An MRL of 
1mg/kg is therefore proposed to support GAP.  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
15Animal Transfer 
Strawberries are not considered an animal feed comm odity.  Animal derived food product limits are 
therefore not proposed. 
Dietary Risk Assessment 
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) 0.027mg/kg bw/day 
 
The potential daily ex posure via food (PDE (food)) is used for dietary intake calculation where a value 
has been set.  An appropriate acceptable daily in take (ADI) is used in the absence of a PDE (food). 
The chronic dietary exposure to cyprodinil is esti mated by the National Es timated 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 calc ulation is made in accordance with Guidelines for predicting 
dietary intake of pesticide residues (revised)  [World Health Organisation, 1997]. 
The NEDI for cyprodinil is equivalent to 0.3% 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 the use of cyprodinil as a fungicide for use on strawberries, according to 
the GAP specified above, is very unlikely to pose any health risks from consumption of the harvested 
commodity.   
Other International MRLs 
Compound Food Maximum Residue Limit 
(mg/kg) 
The Netherlands   
Cyprodinil Strawberries 2 
 
To meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Ag reement 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 believe t he proposed MRL represents a barrier to their trade. 
  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
165 Proposal to set an MRL for Fludioxinil 
It is proposed that an MRL is set for fludioxinil w hen used as a fungicide for strawberries.  It is 
proposed that Schedule One of the NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2008 be amended to include the 
following entry:   
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue 
Limit (mg/kg) 
Fludioxinil 131341-86-1 Fludi oxinil Strawberries 1 
 
The final entry for fludioxinil in Schedule One of the NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2008 will therefore 
read:  
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue 
Limit (mg/kg) 
Fludioxinil 131341-86-1 Fludioxinil Grapes 
Strawberries 0.05 
1 
 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRL represents a new use pattern in Ne w Zealand for the active ingredient fludioxinil. 
The proposed MRL will manage the new use of fludi oxinil as a fungicide on strawberries to the 
application rates and withholding periods that are ap proved good agricultural practice (GAP) in New 
Zealand (see below).  
Chemical Information 
Common name of compound Fludioxinil 
Use of compound Fungicide 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number 131341-86-1 
Type of compound Pyrimidine 
Administration method Spray 
 
Good Agricultural Practice 
Fludioxinil is proposed for use as a fungicide for stra wberries.  Application may be 2-3 times at 7-14 
day intervals after flowering, at 200gai/ha with a withholding period of 3 days.   
Residues Information  
Residue data for strawberries support an MRL of 1mg/kg  at 3 days after the last treatment.  An MRL of 
1mg/kg is therefore proposed to support GAP.  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
17Animal Transfer 
Strawberries are not considered an animal feed co mmodity.  Animal derived food product limits are 
therefore not proposed. 
Dietary Risk Assessment 
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) 0.33mg/kg bw/day 
 
The potential daily ex posure via food (PDE (food)) is used for dietary intake calculation where a value 
has been set.  An appropriate acceptable daily in take (ADI) is used in the absence of a PDE (food). 
The chronic dietary exposure to fludioxinil is esti mated by the National Estimated Dietary Intake 
(NEDI) calculation encompassing all registered us es 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 calc ulation is made in accordance with Guidelines for predicting 
dietary intake of pesticide residues (revised)  [World Health Organisation, 1997]. 
The NEDI for fludioxinil is equivalent to 0.8% 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 the use of fludioxinil as a fungicide for use on strawberries, according to 
the GAP specified above, is very unlikely to pose any health risks from consumption of the harvested 
commodity.   
Other International MRLs 
Compound Food Maximum Residue Limit 
(mg/kg) 
The Netherlands   
Fludioxinil Strawberries 2 
 
To meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Ag reement 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 believe t he proposed MRL represents a barrier to their trade. 
  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
186 Proposal to set an MRL for Formetanate 
Hydrochloride 
It is proposed that an MRL is set for formetanate hy drochloride when used as an insecticide for 
onions.  It is proposed that Schedule One of t he NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2008 be amended to 
include the following; this will be t he resulting entry for formetanate hydrochloride in Schedule One of 
the NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2008: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum 
Residue Limit 
(mg/kg) 
Formetanate hydrochloride 23422-53-9 Formetanate free base Onions 0.2 
 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRL for formetanate hydrochloride repres ents the registration in New Zealand of a new 
active ingredient. The proposed MRL will manage the new use of formetanate hydrochloride as an 
insecticide on onions to the application rates an d withholding periods that are approved good 
agricultural practice (GAP) in New Zealand (see below).  
Chemical Information 
Common name of compound Formetanate hydrochloride 
Use of compound Insecticide 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number 23422-53-9 
Type of compound N-methyl carbamate 
Administration method Spray 
 
Good Agricultural Practice 
Formetanate hydrochloride is proposed for use as an  insecticide for onions.  Application may be on 
mature crops, at 0.75kgai/ha with a withholding period of 14 days.  
Residues Information  
Residue data for onions support an MRL of 0.2mg/kg at  14 days after the last treatment.  An MRL of 
0.2mg/kg is therefore proposed to support GAP.  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
19Animal Transfer 
Onions are not a primary animal feed crop.  It is c onceivable that failed crops may be fed to animals; 
however it is unlikely that detec table residues will arise in animal derived food products.  Animal 
derived food product limits are therefore not proposed. 
Dietary Risk Assessment 
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) 0.004mg/kg bw/day 
 
The potential daily ex posure via food (PDE (food)) is used for dietary intake calculation where a value 
has been set.  An appropriate acceptable daily in take (ADI) is used in the absence of a PDE (food). 
The chronic dietary exposure to formetanate hydroc hloride 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 Nutr itional 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 Organisation, 1997]. 
The NEDI for formetanate hydrochloride is equivale nt to 2% of the ADI/PDE(food). It is therefore 
concluded that the chronic dietary exposu re is small and the risk is acceptable. 
Toxicological / Public Health Assessment   
It has been determined that the use of formetanate hydrochloride as an insecticide for use on onions, 
according to the GAP specified above, is very unlikel y to pose any health risks from consumption of 
the harvested commodity.   
Other International MRLs 
Compound Food Maximum Residue Limit 
(mg/kg) 
The Netherlands   
Formetanate All foods 0.05* 
NOTE: (*) indicates that the maximum residue limit has been set at or about the limit of analytical 
quantification. 
To meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Ag reement 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 believe the proposed MRL repr esents a barrier to their trade. 
  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
207 Proposal to set an MRL for Lincomycin 
It is proposed that an MRL is set for lincomycin when used as a veterinary medicine for cattle.  It is 
proposed that Schedule One of the NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2008 be amended to include the 
following; this will be the resulting entry for lin comycin in Schedule One of the NZ (MRL) Food 
Standards 2008: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue 
Limit (mg/kg) 
Lincomycin 154-21-2 Lincomycin Cattle milk 0.15 
 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRL repr esents the setting of a New Zealand MRL for lincomycin in cattle milk that will 
be harmonised with MRLs set internationally by t he European Union and by the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission.  
It is intended that the increase in the MRL will allow the milking withholding period to be decreased 
allowing a greater flexibility in the use of  lincomycin in the treatment of mastitis 
Chemical Information 
Common name of compound Lincomycin 
Use of compound Antibiotic 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number 154-21-2 
Type of compound Lincosamide 
Administration method Intramammary 
 
Good Agricultural Practice 
Lincomycin is currently approved in New Zealand as an antibiotic treatment for mastitis in cattle by 
way of intramammary, with a withholding period of 3 days for milk and 30 days for meat. 
Residues Information 
The proposed MRL has been determined by Codex to represent a suitable inte rnational standard for 
residues. 
 Dietary Risk Assessment 
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) 0.03mg/kg bw/day 
 
The potential daily ex posure via food (PDE (food))is used for dietary intake calculation where a value has 
been set.  An appropriate acceptable daily inta ke (ADI) is used in the absence of a PDE (food).  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
21The chronic dietary exposure to lincomycin is esti mated by the National Estimated Dietary Intake 
(NEDI) calculation encompassing all registered us es 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 calc ulation is made in accordance with Guidelines for predicting 
dietary intake of pesticide residues (revised)  [World Health Organisation, 1997]. 
The NEDI for lincomycin is equivalent to 3% of t he ADI. It is therefore concluded that the chronic 
dietary exposure is small and the risk is acceptable. 
Toxicological / Public Health Assessment   
Promulgation of the proposed MRL for lincomycin as an ant ibiotic treatment for mastitis in cattle is very 
unlikely to pose any health risks from consum ption of the milk from treated cattle.   
Other International MRLs 
Compound Food Maximum Residue Limit 
(mg/kg) 
Codex   
Lincomycin  Cattle Milk 0.15 
European Union   
Lincomycin  Milk 0.15 
Japan   
Lincomycin Milk 0.15 (Provisional) 
 
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 believe the proposed MRL repr esents a barrier to their trade.  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
228 Proposal set an MRL for Myclobutanil  
It is proposed that an MRL is set for myclobutanil wh en used as a fungicide for cucurbits.  It is 
proposed that Schedule One of the NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2008 be amended to include the 
following entry:  
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue 
Limit (mg/kg) 
Myclobutanil 88671-89-0 Myclobutanil Cucurbits 
(inedible 
peel) 0.02  
 
The final entry for myclobutanil in Schedule One of  the NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2008 will therefore 
read: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue 
Limit (mg/kg) 
Myclobutanil 88671-89-0 Myclobutanil Cucurbits 
(inedible 
peel) 
Grapes 
Pome fruits  
 
0.02 
0.2 
0.1 
 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRL represents a new use pattern in  New Zealand for myclobutanil.  The proposed 
MRL will manage the new use of myclobutanil as a fungicide on cucurbits (inedible peel) to the 
application rates and withholding periods that are ap proved good agricultural practice (GAP) in New 
Zealand (see below). 
Chemical Information 
Common name of compound Myclobutanil 
Use of compound Fungicide 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number 88671-89-0 
Type of compound Conazole 
Administration method Spray 
 
Good Agricultural Practice 
Myclobutanil is proposed for use as a fungicide for cu curbits (inedible peel).  Application may be up to 
2 times at 10-14 day intervals, at 75gai/ha with a withholding period of 7 days.    Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
23Residues Information  
Residue data for cucurbits (inedible peel) support an MRL of 0.02mg/kg at 7 days after the last 
treatment.  An MRL of 0.02mg/kg is therefore proposed to support GAP. 
Animal Transfer 
It is not expected that re sidues will result in any animal derived food products .  Animal derived food 
product limits are therefore not proposed. 
Dietary Risk Assessment 
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) 0.03mg/kg bw/day 
 
The potential daily ex posure via food (PDE (food)) is used for dietary intake calculation where a value 
has been set.  An appropriate acceptable daily in take (ADI) is used in the absence of a PDE (food). 
The chronic dietary exposure to myclobutanil is esti mated by the National Estimated Dietary Intake 
(NEDI) calculation encompassing all registered us es 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 calc ulation is made in accordance with Guidelines for predicting 
dietary intake of pesticide residues (revised)  [World Health Organisation, 1997]. 
The NEDI for myclobutanil is equivalent to 0.77% 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 the use of myclobutanil as a fungicide for use on cucurbits (inedible peel), 
according to the GAP specified above, is very unlik ely to pose any health risks from consumption of 
the harvested commodity.   
Other International MRLs 
Compound Food Maximum Residue Limit 
(mg/kg) 
The Netherlands   
Myclobutanil Pumpkin 0.2 
 
To meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Ag reement 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 believe t he proposed MRL represents a barrier to their trade. 
  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
249 Proposal to set an MRL for Neomycin  
It is proposed that an MRL is set for neomycin when used as a veterinary medicine for cattle.  It is 
proposed that Schedule One of the NZ (MRL) F ood Standards 2008 be amended by deleting the 
following entry:  
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue 
Limit (mg/kg) 
Neomycin 1404-04-2 Neomycin Cattle milk 0.5 
 
As a replacement for the deleted entry, it is pr oposed that Schedule One of the NZ (MRL) Food 
Standards 2008 be amended to include the following entry:  
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue 
Limit (mg/kg) 
Neomycin 1404-04-2 Neomycin Cattle milk 1.5 
 
The final entry for Neomycin in Schedule One of  the NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2008 will therefore 
read: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue 
Limit (mg/kg) 
Neomycin 1404-04-2 Neomycin Cattle milk 
Mammalian 
fat 
Mammalian kidney 
Mammalian 
liver Mammalian 
meat 
Poultry eggs Poultry fat 
Poultry liver 
Poultry meat 1.5 
 
0.5 
 5 
 
0.5  
0.5 
0.5 0.5 
0.5 
0.5 
 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRL repr esents the setting of a New Zealand MRL for neomycin in cattle milk that will 
be harmonised with MRLs set internationally by Australia, the European Union and by the Codex 
Alimentarius Commission.  
It is intended that the increase in the MRL will allow the milking withholding period to be decreased 
allowing a greater flexibility in the use of neomycin in  the treatment of bacterial infections and mastitis  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
25Chemical Information 
Common name of compound Neomycin 
Use of compound Antibiotic 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number 1404-04-2 
Type of compound Aminoglycoside 
Administration method Intramammary or injection 
 
Good Agricultural Practice 
Neomycin is currently approved in New Zealand as an  antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections and 
mastitis in cattle way of intramammary or injectio n, with withholding periods ranging from 3-5days for 
milk and 30-35 days for meat.  
Residues Information 
The proposed MRL has been determined by Codex to represent a suitable inte rnational standard for 
residues. 
Dietary Risk Assessment 
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) 0.06mg/kg bw/day 
 
The potential daily ex posure via food (PDE (food))is used for dietary intake calculation where a value has 
been set.  An appropriate acceptable daily intake (ADI) is used in the absence of a PDE (food). 
The chronic dietary exposure to neomycin is esti mated by the National Estimated Dietary Intake 
(NEDI) calculation encompassing all registered us es of the chemical and food consumption data 
based upon the 1997 National Nutritional Survey for adu lts and the 1995 National Nutrition Survey of 
Australia, for children. The NEDI calc ulation is made in accordance with Guidelines for predicting 
dietary intake of pesticide residues (revised)  [World Health Organisation, 1997]. 
The NEDI for neomycin is equivalent to 15% of t he ADI. It is therefore concluded that the chronic 
dietary exposure is small and the risk is acceptable. 
Toxicological / Public Health Assessment   
Promulgation of the proposed MRL for neomycin as an  antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections and 
mastitis in cattle is very unlikely to pose any health ri sks from consumption of milk from treated cattle.    Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
26Other International MRLs 
Compound Food Maximum Residue Limit 
(mg/kg) 
Codex   
Neomycin  Cattle Milk 1.5 
European Union   
Neomycin  Milk 1.5 
Australia   
Neomycin Milk 1.5 (Temporary) 
 
To meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Ag reement 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 believe the proposed MRL repr esents a barrier to their trade.  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
2710 Proposal to set an MRL for Spinosad  
It is proposed that an MRL is set for spinosad when used as an insecticide for Tomatoes.  It is 
proposed that Schedule One of the NZ (MRL) F ood Standards 2008 be amended by deleting the 
following entry: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue 
Limit (mg/kg) 
Spinosad  168316-95-8 
(131929-60-7 
+  
131929-63-0) Sum of: 
spinosyn A spinosyn D 
Expressed as: 
Spinosad Tomatoes  0.01* 
NOTE: (*) indicates that the maximum residue limit has been set at or about the limit of analytical 
quantification. 
As a replacement for the deleted entry, it is pr oposed that Schedule One of the NZ (MRL) Food 
Standards 2008 be amended to include the following entry: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue 
Limit (mg/kg) 
Spinosad  168316-95-8 
(131929-60-7 
+  131929-63-0) Sum of: 
spinosyn A 
spinosyn D 
Expressed as: 
Spinosad Tomatoes  0.05 
 
The final entry for spinosad in Schedule One of  the NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2008 will therefore 
read: 
Compound CAS# Residue definition Food Maximum Residue 
Limit (mg/kg) 
Spinosad  168316-95-8 
(131929-60-7 
+  131929-63-0) Sum of: 
spinosyn A 
spinosyn D 
Expressed as: 
Spinosad Citrus fruits 
Kiwifruit 
Potatoes Sheep fat 
Sheep kidney 
Sheep liver Sheep meat 
Stone fruits 
Tomatoes 0.05 
0.2 
0.01(*) 0.2 
0.05 
0.05 0.05 
1 
0.05 
NOTE: (*) indicates that the maximum residue limit has been set at or about the limit of analytical 
quantification. 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRL represents a change in good agricultural practice (GAP) for the active ingredient 
spinosad.    Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
28The MRL proposed for spinosad in tomatoes will allow the compound to be used closer to harvest in 
accordance with the specified GAP in New Zeal and (see below) based on a new application method 
and formulation type.  As spinosad is considered to be of very low toxicity, there is no risk to public 
health associated with consumption of tomatoes containing spinosad residues within the MRL. 
Spinosad is used internationally and is considered as  a ‘risk reducing’ compound relative to older 
chemistries. Spinosad has been specifically attributed  ‘risk reducing’ status in Canada and the United 
States.  As spinosad is naturally derived from bacteria, it has been permitted for use in organic 
production by the United States Department of Agriculture.  
Chemical Information 
Common name of compound Spinosad 
Use of compound Insecticide 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number 500008-45-7 
Type of compound Spinosyn 
Administration method Ground spray and dustable powder 
 
Good Agricultural Practice 
Spinosad is proposed for use as an insecticide for tomatoes.  Application may be up to 7 times 
throughout plant growth at a rate of 10-20g per ma ture plant with a withholding period of 3 days.   
Residues Information 
Residue data for tomatoes support an MRL of 0.05mg/ kg at 3 days after the last treatment.  An MRL 
of 0.05mg/kg is therefore proposed to support GAP. 
Dietary Risk Assessment 
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) 0.02mg/kg bw/day 
 
The potential daily ex posure via food (PDE (food)) is used for dietary intake calculation where a value 
has been set.  An appropriate acceptable daily in take (ADI) is used in the absence of a PDE (food). 
The chronic dietary exposure to spinosad is estimate d 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 th e 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 Or ganisation, 1997]. 
The NEDI for spinosad is equivalent to 3.5% of the ADI. It is therefore concluded that the chronic 
dietary exposure is small and the risk is acceptable.  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
29Toxicological / Public Health Assessment   
It has been determined that the use of spinosad as an insecticide for use on tomatoes, according to 
the GAP specified above, is very unlikely to pose any health risks from consumption of the harvested 
commodity.   
Other International MRLs 
To meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Ag reement on the Application of Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary Measures the prop osed MRL will be notified to the World Trade Organization.  Any 
country may choose to comment if they believe t he proposed MRL represents a barrier to their trade.  Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
3011 Proposal to exempt Chlorhexidine  
It is proposed that an MRL exemption is set for chlo rhexidine when used as a topical antiseptic for all 
food producing species except fish.  It is pr oposed that Schedule Three of the NZ (MRL) Food 
Standards 2008 be amended to include the following; th is will be the resulting entry for chlorhexidine 
in Schedule Three of the NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2008:  
 
Compound 
 CAS#  Condition 
Chlorhexidine and its 
digluconate salt 55-56-1 All food producing species except fish; for topical use 
only 
 
Amendment Rationale 
The proposed MRL exemption represents a reasse ssment of a currently approved use patterns for 
chlorhexidine, which has a very low toxicity.  Chlo rhexidine is commonly used in human medicine, and 
following the treatment of food producing species with chlorhexidine, any levels of residues likely to 
exist are insignificant.  For these reasons chlorhex idine residues do not require a regulatory limit.  
Chlorhexidine can therefore be exempted from  the requirement of a New Zealand MRL.  
Chemical Information 
Common name of compound Chlorhexidine 
Use of compound Topical antiseptic and disinfectant 
Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry number 55-56-1 
Type of compound Bis-biguanide 
Administration method Topical 
 
Good Agricultural Practice 
Chlorhexidine and chlorhexidine digluconate are used  as general disinfectants for cleansing wounds, 
skin, instruments and equipment.  They are also used as teat dips and sprays for an aid in the control 
of mastitis in dairy cattle.  
Residues Information  
Chlorhexidine is poorly absorbed after topical applicat ion.  Following use as an antiseptic treatment of 
wounds or skin, residues in tissue would be expected to be insignificant.  The use of chlorhexidine as 
a teat dip or spray in dairy animals usually occurs  following milking; residues are unlikely to occur in 
milk from the following milking.   Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Li mits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008 
  
31Dietary Risk Assessment 
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) 0.05mg/kg bw/day 
 
Residues of chlorhexidine are unlikely to occur in consumed milk or animal products.  In addition 
chlorhexidine is poorly absorbed orally through the ga strointestinal tract with the majority of residues 
passing unchanged into the faeces.  Given the low re ported toxicity of chlorhexidine it would not be 
expected to result in any dietary risk.  
Toxicological / Public Health Assessment   
Chlorhexidine has a long recorded history of safe use in human medicine for topical antiseptic and 
disinfectant use and within oral preparations su ch as lozenges and dental gels.  Human volunteers 
have been reported to easily tolerate levels of 2000m g orally administered chlorhexidine per day for 7 
days.  Given that residues are unlikely to occur fo llowing the use of chlorhexidine as a veterinary 
medicine there is no risk to the public through the proposed MRL exemption. 
Other International MRLs 
Compound Food Maximum Residue Limit 
(mg/kg) 
European Union   
Chlorhexidine All food producing species Exempt for topical use only 
 
To meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Ag reement on the Application of Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary Measures the proposed MRL exemption will be notified to the World Trade 
Organization.  Any country may choose to comm ent if they believe the proposed MRL exemption 
represents a barrier to their trade.