Stricter Kinoclamine Limits and Chlorpyrifos Removal in Food Pesticide Standards

The Cabinet Office partially amended the Specifications and Standards for Foods, Food Additives, etc., on September 10, 2026, via Cabinet Office Notice No. 114. This amendment, based on the provisions of Article 13, Paragraph 1 of the Food Sanitation Act (Act No. 233 of 1947), tightens the residue standards for the pesticide quinoxifene in rice and other products and removes the standards for chlorpyrifos in cereals and other products; it was promulgated in the Official Gazette Extra edition on the same date.

Legal Framework of the Amendment

This notice partially amends the Specifications and Standards for Foods, Food Additives, etc. (Ministry of Health and Welfare Notice No. 370 of 1959) and is signed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The amendment targets the tables defining the limits of substances (residue standards) for pesticide components remaining in food within the “General Component Standards for Foods,” with provisions being revised or abolished by contrasting the “Before Amendment” and “After Amendment” columns.

Tightening Residue Standards for Quinoxifene

Regarding quinoxifene, the residue standard for rice was lowered from 0.02 ppm to 0.01 ppm, and standards for other vegetables were also tightened from 0.02 ppm to 0.01 ppm. Meanwhile, the standards for other apiaceous vegetables (0.02 ppm) and seafood (0.02 ppm) remained unchanged.

• Rice: 0.02 ppm → 0.01 ppm
• Other vegetables: 0.02 ppm → 0.01 ppm
• Other apiaceous vegetables: 0.02 ppm (no change)
• Seafood: 0.02 ppm (no change)

Removal of Standards for Chlorpyrifos

Regarding chlorpyrifos, the residue standards previously set for wheat, corn, other cereals, soybeans, and azuki beans have all been removed. The notice specifies to “delete the item,” thereby abolishing the standards pertaining to these food categories.

• Wheat: 0.5 ppm → Deleted
• Corn: 0.05 ppm → Deleted
• Other cereals: 0.5 ppm → Deleted
• Soybeans: 0.1 ppm → Deleted
• Azuki beans: 0.3 ppm → Deleted

Impact on the Food Industry and Consumers

The tightening of residue standards will require producers and food business operators handling rice and vegetables to implement stricter pesticide management and testing protocols. In particular, since the standard for quinoxifene in rice has been halved, improved precision in residue testing during the distribution and processing stages of rice is required. The removal of chlorpyrifos standards is believed to reflect changes in the actual use of the pesticide and may impact the inspection systems for imported cereals and legumes.

This amendment is a change to official specifications and standards based on the Food Sanitation Act, aimed at ensuring food safety and protecting consumer health. Upon enforcement, it is expected that food business operators will confirm compliance with the residue standards and that the administration will ensure thorough monitoring and guidance.

Source: Cabinet Office Notification No. 114 “Notification to Partially Amend the Standards and Criteria for Foods, Additives, etc.” (September 10, 2026, Official Gazette Extra Edition)—Based on Article 13, Paragraph 1 of the Food Sanitation Act (Act No. 233 of 1947).