The new permanent tolerance for sodium salt of acifluorfen replaces an emergency exemption limit of 0.1 ppm and takes effect immediately.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reduced the maximum permitted residue level for the herbicide sodium salt of acifluorfen in sugar beet roots by 40%, establishing a permanent tolerance of 0.06 parts per million (ppm), down from the previous temporary limit of 0.1 ppm.
The final rule, published in the Federal Register on September 29, 2026, took effect on the same day. It amends 40 CFR §180.383, which governs pesticide residue tolerances for sodium salt of acifluorfen in agricultural commodities.
The decision marks a transition from temporary residue limits granted under emergency exemptions to a permanent regulatory tolerance for sugar beet roots.
EPA Establishes Permanent Tolerance for Sugar Beet Roots
The rule follows a petition submitted by agricultural chemical company UPL NA, Inc. under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
The company originally requested residue tolerances of 0.06 ppm for both sugar beet roots and sugar beet tops.
Following its review of supporting data, however, the EPA approved the permanent tolerance only for sugar beet roots. The agency determined that a separate tolerance for sugar beet tops was unnecessary because the commodity is not considered a significant feed item under the relevant regulatory guidance.
At the same time, the EPA revoked the existing emergency exemption tolerances of 0.1 ppm for both sugar beet roots and leaves.
Those temporary tolerances were originally introduced in 2022 under Section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). They were subsequently extended through December 31, 2027, before being superseded by the latest rule.
Key Changes to US Sugar Beet Residue Limits
| Regulatory provision | Previous arrangement | New rule |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar beet roots | 0.1 ppm, temporary | 0.06 ppm, permanent |
| Sugar beet leaves | 0.1 ppm, temporary | Temporary tolerance revoked |
| Regulatory basis | FIFRA Section 18 emergency exemption | FFDCA Section 408 |
| Effective date | Temporary tolerances previously extended through December 2027 | September 29, 2026 |
The new residue limit represents a 40% reduction for sugar beet roots.
EPA Finds Dietary Exposure Within Acceptable Safety Levels
Before finalizing the regulation, the EPA reviewed the available toxicological evidence and aggregate exposure assessments for sodium salt of acifluorfen, including potential exposure through food and drinking water.
The agency also considered potential risks to infants and children, as required under US food safety legislation.
According to the EPA, the available risk assessments support its conclusion that aggregate exposure to the herbicide’s residues is not expected to cause harm under the applicable regulatory conditions.
The EPA relied on previously completed dietary exposure assessments that had already considered the higher temporary tolerance of 0.1 ppm.
The agency also noted that the Codex Alimentarius Commission has not established an international maximum residue limit (MRL) for sodium salt of acifluorfen.
What Does the Rule Mean for the Sugar Industry?
The revised standard applies specifically to sugar beet roots as an agricultural commodity, rather than establishing a new pesticide residue limit for refined sugar or other finished sugar products.
For sugar beet growers, pesticide manufacturers and agricultural supply-chain operators, the change provides a permanent federal residue tolerance in place of the previous emergency exemption arrangement.
The transition may also require relevant operators to review pesticide application practices, residue testing procedures and compliance documentation against the newly established limit.
However, the rule should not be interpreted as a broader change to US sugar quality standards or as evidence of a direct impact on sugar production volumes.
The EPA has set November 30, 2026, as the deadline for filing formal objections or requests for hearings concerning the final rule.
Official Regulatory Source
US Environmental Protection Agency. Sodium Salt of Acifluorfen; Pesticide Tolerance.
- Federal Register publication date: September 29, 2026
- Federal Register document number: 2026-19884
- Citation: 91 FR 61324–61328
- Regulatory reference: 40 CFR §180.383
- EPA Docket: EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0363
Official document: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-09-29/html/2026-19884.htm
Official PDF: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-09-29/pdf/2026-19884.pdf
Disclaimer
This article is published by YnSugar for informational and sugar industry research purposes. It is based on publicly available regulatory information issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
The article does not constitute legal, regulatory, pesticide-use or trade compliance advice. Readers should consult the latest applicable regulations, official EPA guidance and relevant authorities before making operational or commercial decisions.
