The Chilean walnut industry is positive about intentions from the European Union to loosen maximum residue limits (MRLs) on fosetyl-aluminum from 2mg/kg to 75mg/kg.

Chilean Walnut Commission president Andrés Rodríguez told www.freshfruitportal.com the initiative would directly benefit nut growers around the world.

"Initially, it was thought that there were residue problems from the application of Fosetyl-Al, but it was realized that ultimately these [residues] came more from nutrients and these phosphites that were used in orchards," Rodriguez said.

"The Fosetyl-Al that is used in Chile - it's not used in all countries, in fact in California it's not used - is ultimately a product that has a very well defined expiry period and has no major problems. So, what happened here is that they [the EU] realized that residues they had structured for Fosetyl-Al were not in line with reality."

"That's why it is being proposed to go from 2mg per kilo to 75mg, so that's a very significant change."

The recommendation is supported by an analysis from the European Food Safety Authority.

"As background, what the European Community did was that in order to ensure this change wasn't a problem, they put the EFSA in charge of a study where they could see whether Fosetyl-Al was negative for human consumption within the proposed levels, and the EFSA concluded there weren't problems," Rodríguez said.

"That's why this is in process and should be ready within September-October this year more or less."

The executive said this more "realistic" initiative would have a positive impact on the Chilean industry, because it will better regulate what is needed for walnut production globally.

Prior to the change, the current MRL regime for walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds.

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