Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) in food and animal feedstuff

The MRL Standard

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) sets maximum residue limits (MRLs) for agricultural and veterinary chemicals in agricultural produce, particularly produce entering the food chain. These MRLs are set at levels which are not likely to be exceeded if the agricultural or veterinary chemicals are used in accordance with approved label instructions. At the time that the MRLs are set, the APVMA undertakes a dietary exposure evaluation to ensure that the levels do not pose an undue hazard to human health.

The MRL Standard lists MRLs of substances which may arise from the approved use of those substances or other substances, and provides the relevant residue definitions to which these MRLs apply.

Preface, explanatory notes and definitions (PDF, 151kb)

The Standard is made up of five Tables:

Table 1 (PDF, 513kb) Maximum Residue Limits of agricultural and veterinary chemicals and associated substances in food commodities;
Table 2 (PDF, 61kb) Portion of the commodity to which the maximum residue limit applies (and which is analysed);
Table 3 (PDF, 178kb) Residue definition;
Table 4 (PDF, 97kb) Maximum residue limits for pesticides in animal feed commodities;
Table 5 (PDF, 83kb) Uses of substances where maximum residue limits are not necessary.

Last updated: 2 July 2009.

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