In March, 2025, Japan’s Food Sanitation Standards Review Division (under the Consumer Affairs Agency) released a draft revision to the Specifications and Standards for Food and Food Additives, proposing new maximum residue limits (MRLs) for three pesticides—fluazinam, flupyradifurone, and mandestrobin. A public consultation is open through April 25, 2025.

Purpose of the Revision

The proposed changes are part of Japan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen food safety under the Food Sanitation Act, which empowers the Prime Minister to set standards for pesticide residues based on scientific recommendations from the Food Safety Commission.

Currently, a default MRL of 0.01 ppm applies unless specific limits are established. The revision reflects:

• Alignment with international standards
  

• Trends in global pesticide use
  

• Updated health risk assessments by Japan’s Cabinet Office Food Safety Commission

The draft was reviewed by the Food Sanitation Standards Council on November 14, 2024.

Key Proposed Changes

The draft includes updated MRLs for the following pesticides:

• Fluazinam (fungicide/miticide)
  

• Flupyradifurone (insecticide)
  

• Mandestrobin (fungicide)

Implementation Timeline

• Official Announcement: Expected in mid-June 2025
  

• Effective Dates:
  

  • Relaxed MRLs: Immediately upon announcement
    

  • Tightened MRLs: Enforced one year after the announcement date
    
    

How to Submit Public Comments

Stakeholders may submit feedback by April 25, 2025, through:

• Online: e-Government Portal Submission Form (e-Gov)

• Mail:
  Residue Pesticide Standards Review Office
  Food Sanitation Standards Review Division
  Consumer Affairs Agency, Japan

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