Codex Alimentarius adopts the MRL for 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene - a new standard for food safety fostering international trade

Great news for potato producers: Codex Alimentarius, the “Food Code” has confirmed the safety of 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene (1,4-DMN) for use on potatoes.

1,4-DMN is a naturally occurring biocontrol agent that enhances dormancy, controls spouting and encourages field-fresh quality in stored potatoes.

The conclusion on safe use followed a thorough review process by experts from the Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) of FAO and WHO which then was successively confirmed by the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR) earlier in 2024. The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has adopted the Codex Maximum Residue Level (CXL) for 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene of 15 mg/kg on Tuesday 26 November 2024 during their annual meeting in Geneve.

This newly adopted global food safety standard will foster international trade. Obtaining a CXL is considered as a critical step towards full international acceptance of 1,4¬DMN treated potatoes and processed products made from treated potatoes.