In detail
An MRL is the highest concentration of a pesticide residue legally permitted in or on a food or feed commodity. Limits are specific to the pesticide, the commodity, and the jurisdiction. A result that passes one market's limit may fail another, which is why the destination belongs in the specification from the start.
MRLs apply to the food as consumed or as placed on the market, and processed ingredients can concentrate residues. For botanical extracts, the relevant commodity and processing factor should be confirmed with the buyer's regulatory team. '<LOQ' is more informative than 'none detected' because it states the level below which the laboratory could not quantify.
Why it matters to a buyer
- A shipment can be rejected at the border even when the assay is perfect.
- Different markets set different limits for the same pesticide.
- The reporting limit determines whether a 'pass' is meaningful.
What to ask a supplier
Which market's MRLs were used for this panel?
What is the reporting limit for each pesticide?
Does the panel cover the pesticides relevant to this herb and origin?
References and further reading
External links are provided for orientation. Requirements differ by market, product, and dose; confirm with your regulatory advisor.
Cite this page
Rainwood Botanical. "Maximum residue limit." Botanical extract glossary, October 2026. https://ingredients.rainwoodbio.com/resources/glossary/mrl/