Still no MRLs for radish leaves?

With Regulation (EU) 2018/62 of 17.01.2018, "radish leaves" were newly included in Regulation 396/2005 (Annex I, Part B) with a transitional period until the end of 2021.

The leaves of radish were put on an equal footing with kale. The permissible maximum residue levels for plant protection active substances should therefore apply analogously to those for kale.

Now one might ask: "Who eats radish leaves?" What may sound odd to some may be a sophisticated ingredient for some gourmets. The leaves are edible per se, taste spicy hot and can be used in smoothies, sauces and soups as well as added finely chopped to herbal mixtures.

Maximum Residue Limits Regulation:

There were objections to the above-mentioned regulation and so the MRLs will probably not be applied until the end of 2023, when a corresponding new draft regulation will be adopted. In the meantime, studies are to be carried out on the possible residue contamination of radish leaves in order to set their own limits.

Gourmets are therefore advised to only use fresh leaves from certified organic farmers if no pesticide residues shall spoil the pleasure. Because where there is no valid limit value, nothing is usually tested, or measured values cannot be assessed in a justifiable way.

Autor: Dr. Frank Mörsberger