- PDF Version (236K) - Print Friendly - Help

Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2007

10 Proposal to exempt Extract of Azadirachta indica

It is proposed that an MRL exemption be set for extract of azadirachta indica when used as an insecticide for food producing plant species. It is proposed that Schedule Two of the NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2007 be amended to include the following; this will be the resulting entry for extract of azadirachta indica in Schedule Two of the NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2007:

Amendment Rationale

The proposed MRL exemption represents a reassessment of the currently approved use patterns for extracts of azadirachta indica (Neem). Neem has a very low toxicity and represents a risk reducing insecticide. Neem’s broadly defined good agricultural practice (GAP) means it is not required to be managed against a chemical concentration limit. It therefore does not require an MRL to regulate GAP.

Chemical Information

Residues Information

Insecticide products containing neem have been available in New Zealand for many years. Neem is derived from the oil of the neem tree berries. The action of the insecticide is primarily derived from the presence of azadirachtin in the oil, although other components of the oil may cause synergistic or insecticidal effects.

Dietary Risk Assessment

Neem has been determined to be of very low toxicity. Extracts of neem have been used historically in parts of Asia for skin and dental treatments for what has claimed to be over 2000 years. Parts of the neem tree are consumed in certain Indian and Southeast Asian dishes. Neem is used in human medicine for skin and acne treatment and for the control of scabies and head lice. The active component azadirachtin has also been demonstrated to be of very low toxicity. Neem and azadirachtin do not represent a dietary intake risk from consumption of residues on treated food commodities.

Toxicological / Public Health Assessment

It has been determined that the use of neem as an insecticide for use on all food producing plant species is very unlikely to pose any health risks from consumption of the harvested commodity.

International MRLs

To meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Agreement 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 comment if they believe the proposed MRL exemption represents a barrier to their trade.