More residue data is urgently needed to keep potato stores in use

Potato stores in the UK that previously used CIPC could be at risk of becoming unusable due to the residue of CIPC.  As of April 10^th, 2024, CRD set the tMRL for CIPC at 0.35 mg/kg.  This tMRL is maintained so long as the industry can prove that it is required.  To demonstrate this, data needs to be submitted on an annual basis.

Most growers can access residue data through their customers who routinely test samples for CIPC or through samples taken for Red Tractor; this data can then be anonymised and submitted.  The process is coordinated by the CIPC Residue Monitoring Group (CRMG) who are a cross-industry body who were set up to satisfy the data submission requirements of the CRD. 

Adrian Cunnington of Potato Storage Insight, the independent Chair of CRMG, reports that they are still lacking data from box stores in the fresh sector from across the country so are appealing for those supplying this market, who previously used CIPC, to submit their residue data. Without this the industry could be facing the loss of stores to the legacy of CIPC if the MRL is set to limit of detection (0.01 ppm).

Data can be sent to Adrian at adrian@potatostorageinsight.com who will anonymise the data and submit to CRD. 

More details can be found at https://www.gb-potatoes.co.uk/cipc-residues-monitoring-group/  or you can contact any of the members of the CRMG.