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Proposals to Amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Limits of Agricultural Compounds) Food Standards 2008

14 Proposal to exempt Boric acid from an MRL

It is proposed that an MRL exemption is set for Boric acid when used as a fungicide. It is proposed that Schedule Two of the NZ (MRL) Food Standards 2008 be amended to include:

Amendment Rationale

The proposed MRL exemption represents a new use pattern in New Zealand for the active ingredient boric acid. The indigenous nature of this compound in the environment and in food crops coupled with its low toxicity mean it is not suitable to be managed against a chemical concentration limit.

Chemical Information

Good Agricultural Practice

Boric acid is proposed for use as a fungicide for treatment of pruning wounds for fruit. No further GAP is required.

Residues Information

Boric acid is naturally present in levels within crop plants, any residues resulting from its use as an agricultural compound may also degrade to provide the essential element boron. Given residue of boric acid and boron occurring in the plant as a result of agricultural compound use would be indistinguishable from background levels it is not appropriate to be regulated against an MRL.

Dietary Risk Assessment

Boron is a naturally occurring element in the diet and is present in significant levels in crops such as pome fruit, stonefruit and grapes. Levels occurring from use of boric acid will not cause any increased risk through dietary exposure

Toxicological / Public Health Assessment

Boron naturally occurs in the diet and may also be present in human medicinal preparations, levels present in crops are unlikely to exceed natural background levels, thus the proposed MRL exemption for boric acid represents no public health risk.

Other International MRLs

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 represents a barrier to their trade.