Criteria to determine the maximum residue limits for contaminants and toxins in animal goods, aquaculture goods and fish for human and animal consumption

February 9, 2022

Criteria to determine the maximum residue limits for contaminants and toxins in animal goods, aquaculture goods and fish for human and animal consumption

A decree establishing the criteria to determine the maximum residue limits for contaminants and toxins allowed in animal goods, aquaculture goods and fish for human and animal consumption (the “Decree”), was published today in the Mexican Federal Official Gazette (the “Gazette”).

The Decree will be mandatory for:

1. Companies or persons regulated by the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (the “Ministry of Agriculture”);
2. Importers of animals, animal goods, aquaculture goods and fish;

3. Official laboratories authorized to perform analysis of contaminants and toxins residues, as well as pesticides residues;
4. Companies or persons producing, transporting, handling, storing, packaging, gathering, processing or marketing animals, animal goods, aquaculture goods and fish for human and animal consumption;

5. Companies performing activities aimed at producing regulated vegetables, or regulated vegetable products or subproducts.

The Ministry of Agriculture, through SENASICA (National Service of Health, Food Safety and Quality), will determine the maximum residue limits for contaminants and toxins in animal goods, aquaculture goods and fish, based on scientific and technology principles, and taking into account, among others, the provisions of harmonized international food practices issued by CODEX Alimentarius, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Drugs, pesticides or substances obtained from products deemed residue contaminants and toxins, will be initially considered with a “zero tolerance” limit until a risk analysis is performed and a different maximum limit is set forth.

Vegetables, animals, animal goods, aquaculture goods and fish for exportation, must also comply with the residue contaminants and toxins and pesticide residue maximum limits contained in the legal framework of the country of destination.

The Decree will enter into force on May 10^th, 2022.

If you need additional information regarding the contents of this document or if you need legal advisory, please contact the following person:

Luis López Linaldi – Partner 

luis.linaldi@s-l.mx

Phone: +52 55 50015409