Japan eases chemical residue restrictions on imports of U.S. citrus

AgExporter, June, 2004 by Donald Washington

Japan's MHLW (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare) increased the MRL (maximum residue level) for chlorpyrifos on citrus fruit, effective Feb. 25, 2004. Chlorpyrifos is one of the most widely used organophosphate insecticides in the United States. It is currently used on more than 40 different agricultural crops, including citrus. The new MRL level, which is the same as that in the United States, applies to oranges, grapefruit and lemons. Concurrently with the MRL revision, MHLW removed its testing-by-order (100 percent hold and test) imposed on certain fresh U.S. oranges since April 3, 2003. MHLW will return to normal monitoring procedures involving random inspections.

FAS public affairs specialist Donald Washington is at (202) 720-3101; E-mail: Donald.Washington@usda.gov