19 February 2007
Exporters should be aware that residues of fenitrothion above the Japanese maximum residue limit (MRL) have been detected in consignments of Australian canola exported to Japan. This is the third detection within 12 months, and accordingly Japan is considering placing enhanced inspection orders on all shipments of canola exported from Australia. By implementing enhanced inspection orders, all canola exported from Australia would be tested for residues of fenitrothion on arrival in Japan, at the expense of the importer.
Any further detections of fenitrothion in canola exported to Japan will have serious consequences for future trade. Exporters should ensure through residue testing, that canola exported to Japan complies with Japanese MRLs for all chemicals, including fenitrothion.
Residue testing should be undertaken as part of your routine quality assurance program or through the National Residue Survey (NRS) prior to export of canola. Participation in the NRS program is voluntary with costs covered by farm-gate levies. For further details on the NRS program, contact Kevin Healy, Manager Plant Program, (02) 6272 3436 or email Kevin Healy
Japanese MRLs are available on the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labour (MHLW) website under "Positive List System for Agricultural Chemical Residues in Foods".
Japan has no MRL established for fenitrothion on canola and thus default to the uniform limit of 0.01 mg/kg. When undertaking residue testing on canola, it is important to ensure that the laboratory limit of reporting (LOR) of the analytical method is sufficiently sensitive to detect fenitrothion residues at 0.01 mg/kg. Australia does not have a MRL established for fenitrothion on canola.
Exporters will be advised if enhanced inspection orders are placed on Australian canola.
Mike Gilbert
Program Manager
AQIS Grain Export Program
Contact Officer: Mike Gilbert
Telephone: 02 6272 4177
Facsimile: 02 6272 345
Email: Grain