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NZ Government want to increase allowed Glyphosate levels

LATEST UPDATE, 15 MAY 2025

New Zealand Food Safety is considering raising the maximum residue level (MRL) for glyphosate in certain foods, particularly grains and peas. The proposal is to increase the MRL from the current default of 0.1 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg for wheat, barley, and oats, and 6 mg/kg for dry field peas, according to Farmers Weekly and Organics Aotearoa New Zealand. Glyphosate is a herbicide used in agriculture, and its presence in food can raise concerns about potential health impacts and dietary exposure, according to the Ministry for Primary Industries. 

 

Elaboration: 

 
  • Current Situation:

    New Zealand Food Safety, under the authority of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and in collaboration with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), is proposing to adjust the MRL for glyphosate in specific food products. 

     
  • Proposed Increase:

    The proposal aims to increase the allowable levels of glyphosate residues in wheat, barley, oats, and dry field peas. 

     
  • Concerns and Justification:

    The increase in MRL is being proposed based on the use of glyphosate as a pre-harvest desiccant on crops like wheat, oats, barley, and peas. This practice can speed up drying, but it also results in higher glyphosate residues in the final products. 

     
  • Safety Assessment:
    New Zealand Food Safety has previously stated that it aligns with the conclusions of the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (JMPR) reports, which have assessed glyphosate’s dietary risk as very low, according to the Ministry for Primary Industries.