EPA Exempts Calcium Carbonate From Pesticide Tolerance Rule
A new rule removes the need for a maximum residue limit on all food commodities.
The Environmental Protection Agency has established an exemption from the requirement of a pesticide tolerance for residues of calcium carbonate on all food commodities. The rule, effective August 17, 2026, eliminates the need to set a maximum permissible level for the substance when used according to label directions and good agricultural practices.
Columbia River Carbonates petitioned the EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to request the exemption. The agency determined the action is safe, meaning there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the residue.
The rule applies to agricultural producers, food manufacturers, and pesticide manufacturers. It carries no new information collection burden and is not subject to notice-and-comment rulemaking requirements.
Objections and requests for hearings must be filed by October 16, 2026. The change frees producers from tolerance compliance paperwork for a common agricultural and food-processing substance.