Cinnamaldehyde in Pesticide Formulations; Exemption From the Requirement for a Tolerance
Key claim: EPA established a tolerance exemption for cinnamaldehyde residues (up to 100 ppm) when used as an inert ingredient in pesticide formulations on growing crops and raw agricultural commodities.
Abstract
(Rule · Environmental Protection Agency) This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of cinnamaldehyde (CAS Reg. No. 104-55-2) when used as an inert ingredient (preservative/stabilizer) on growing crops and raw agricultural commodities pre- and post-harvest, limited to no more than 100 parts per million (ppm) in the end-use pesticide formulation. Wagner Regulatory Associates, Inc., on behalf of Minagro, submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting establishment of an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of cinnamaldehyde, when used in accordance with the terms of this exemption.
Why this matters
Tolerance exemptions for inert ingredients like cinnamaldehyde affect what pesticide formulations manufacturers can bring to market and the residue levels permitted on food crops without additional testing. For farmers, exemptions expand available formulation options; for consumers, they define allowable residues that shape food safety assurances, though at levels EPA deems safe. Cumulatively, such rulings shape the regulatory baseline for pesticide use and food-price-relevant compliance costs.