What is the maximum residue limit (MRL)?

The maximum residue limit (MRL) refers to the highest level of pesticide residue that is legally permitted on food products. This limit is established to ensure safety for consumers and protect public health. Regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States, evaluate scientific data to determine what constitutes a safe level of pesticide residue for specific crops and animals.

Setting an MRL helps to ensure that pesticide use in agriculture does not lead to harmful levels of residues in food, thus enabling consumers to make safe choices when it comes to the food they consume. By adhering to established MRLs, producers can ensure compliance with food safety standards and promote consumer confidence in agricultural products. The importance of MRLs lies in its role in food safety and protecting human health.