On April 29, 2025, a significant regulatory change came into effect in the European Union regarding the pesticide Fosetyl Aluminum. Under Regulation (EU) 2024/2619, published on October 29, 2024, both the maximum residue limits (MRLs) and the residue definition for Fosetyl Aluminum have been amended. Whilst several MRL’s have been amended, the key change is the revision to the residue definition for Fosetyl aluminum.
Previously, the EU residue definition for Fosetyl Aluminum was the sum of fosetyl, phosphonic acid and their salts, expressed as fosetyl. This has now been replaced with a more specific definition:
Phosphonic acid and its salts, expressed as phosphonic acid (R)
This new definition applies only within the EU and not in Great Britain (GB)
Importantly, findings of fosetyl itself will no longer be considered in the context of EU regulation, and the default value of 0.01 mg/kg as per Regulation (EC) 396/2005 does not apply. Only the MRL for the metabolite phosphonic acid will be relevant for compliance purposes.
This regulatory update does not apply to GB. Under GB MRL 2024/004, the residue definition for Fosetyl Aluminum remains unchanged:
Sum of fosetyl, phosphonic acid and their salts, expressed as fosetyl
As a result, analysis and reporting requirements will differ between the EU and GB. In GB, the presence of fosetyl must still be considered in residue testing and compliance evaluations.
Important clarification
It's worth noting that phosphonic acid residues are not exclusively indicative of Fosetyl Aluminum usage. They may also originate from other sources such as:
- Disodium phosphonate and potassium phosphonate – fungicides approved in both the EU and GB
- Certain fertilizers and agronomic products
These alternative sources must be considered when interpreting phosphonic acid findings.
For advice on how this change may affect your residue testing, regulatory compliance or risk assessments, please get in touch.
Explore our full range of services here.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Naresh Patel
Technical Accounts Director
t: +44 (0) 151 350 6666
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