The U.S. and other countries set maximum residue limits (MRLs) on fresh produce for various chemicals, including pesticides that might be used preharvest or postharvest. These materials must be labeled for use on the crop of interest and used only according to label instructions.
While it is unlikely for U.S. MRLs to be exceeded when label instructions are followed, other countries representing important export markets for Florida citrus set their own MRLs. When those MRLs are lower than U.S. MRLs, then use of those pesticides may need to be modified or discontinued to keep from exceeding the country’s tolerances. Violations may lead to rejected loads of product, restrictions on future shipments and even increased requirements for the entire industry to a given market.
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