Canada Proposes Revisions to Ethylene Bisdithiocarbamate (EBDC) Fungicide Maximum Residue Limits

Canada is proposing revisions to the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for ethylene bisdithiocarbamate (EBDC) fungicides used on several commodities. The proposed changes, announced by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), stem from a review of EBDC fungicides – including mancozeb, metiram, maneb, and zineb – and subsequent cancellations or revisions to their approved uses. The focus of the revisions centers on mancozeb.

PMRA Review and Proposed Changes

The PMRA’s review of EBDC fungicides has led to a proposal to revise, and in some cases revoke, MRLs for these substances on various commodities. Proposed MRLs will be defined based on residue levels expressed as carbon disulfide. This change reflects the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure food safety and minimize potential health and environmental risks associated with pesticide use.

Consultation Period

The proposed revisions are currently open for public consultation until May 12, 2026. This period allows stakeholders, including industry representatives, farmers, and the public, to provide feedback on the proposed changes.

About the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA)

The PMRA is the Canadian government agency responsible for regulating pest control products under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act and its Regulations [1]. As a branch of Health Canada, the PMRA reports to Parliament and is dedicated to preventing unacceptable risks to human health and the environment from pesticide use [2].

The agency’s work encompasses new product evaluation, post-market review, and compliance and enforcement [3]. The PMRA collaborates with provincial, territorial, and federal departments within Canada, as well as international organizations like the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the European Union, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), to harmonize pesticide regulation and protect health and the environment [3].

Accessing Pesticide Label Information

Information regarding pesticide labels is available through Health Canada’s Pesticide Label Search service [4]. However, the PMRA notes that the information provided through this service is not guaranteed to be accurate, current, or correct and disclaims liability for any reliance upon it [4].