Thailand Establishes MRLs for Four Pesticides in Mangosteen, Longan and Mango
On October 22, 2018, Thai Ministry of Public Health Notification No.393 issued MRLs for carbosulfan, dithiocarbamates, imidacloprid and dinotefuran in mangosteen, longan and mango. The MRLs entered into force with immediate effect.
SAFEGUARDS | Food NO. 149/18

The following notification of the Ministry of Public Health, No.387 (2017) [1], entitled “Food Containing Pesticide Residues”(Pesticide Residues in Food) provides a clear standard for food use and consumer safety. The “Maximum Residue Limit (MRL)” means the maximum concentration of a pesticide residue in food arising from the use of a pesticide. It is expressed in milligrams of pesticide residue per kilogram of food and “Pesticide Residue” means any specified substance in food resulting from the use of a pesticide. The term includes any derivatives of a pesticide, such as conversion products, metabolites, reaction products, and impurities considered to be of toxicological significance.
Ministry of Public Health Notification No.393 (2018) [2] amended Notification of the Ministry of Public Health No.387, by adding MRLs for four pesticides (carbosulfan, dithiocarbamates, imidacloprid and dinotefuran) in plants and animals. The amendment in the annex is as follows:
No. | Pesticides | Residue Definition | Commodities | Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) (mg/kg) |
5 | Carbosulfan (CAS # 552-14-8) |
Carbosulfan | Mangosteen | 0.02 |
Sum of carbofuran and 3-hydroxycarbofuran express as carbofuran | Mangosteen | 2 | ||
15 | Dithiocarbamates including zineb, ziram, thiram, propineb, maneb and mancozeb | Dithiocarbamate determined and expressed as CS2 | Longan | 15 |
47 | Imidacloprid (CAS # 138261-41-3) |
Sum of imidacloprid and its metabolites containing 6-chloropyridinyl moiety, expressed as imidacloprid | Mangosteen | 0.4 |
53 | Dinotefuran (CAS # 165252-70-0) |
Plant: Animal: |
Mango | 0.5 |
The notification came into force immediately after its announcement in the Royal Thai Government Gazette on October 22, 2018.
What do the changes mean?
This update has the potential to affect agriculture producers, food manufacturers, and pesticide manufacturers. Residues of carbosulfan, dithiocarbamates, imidacloprid and dinotefuran on plants and animals destined for Thailand must not be found at levels in excess of these MRLs. For support in complying with the food safety regulation, producers should seek professional advice.
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Next step:
This amendment is already in force.
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