Chlormequat and Mepiquat
Laboratory test for detection in plant matrices such as grains, fruits and spices
Feb 2024. In 2024, study results from the USA were published, which detected chlormequat in 4 out of 5 study participants and found a high frequency of detection in oat-based foods[1]. Chlormequat and Mepiquat are used in the cultivation of grains, fruits and vegetables. Chlormequat had a negative effect on fertility and the nervous system in toxicological studies. Therefore, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) set an ARfD value of 0.09 mg/kg bw for chlormequat in 2008[2].
Eurofins laboratories for food and feed analysis in Germany provide fast and reliable detection of chlormequat and mepiquat in plant-based foods.
Application and occurrence in food
Chlormequat and mepiquat are primarily used as growth regulators in the cultivation of grains, fruits, and vegetables. They inhibit cell elongation, resulting in shorter stalks or fruit stems. This leads to greater plant stability against weather influences in grain cultivation and extends the harvest time in fruit and vegetable cultivation, as the fruit on the reinforced stems does not fall off too early. Chlormequat residues have been detected in various fruits and vegetables, including apples, pears, and peppers. Paprika powder is also susceptible to contamination.
In 2023, some findings of chlormequat in pears were classified as 'serious' in the European rapid alert system. A US study on the occurrence of chlormequat found a high detection frequency in oat-based foods[1]. Chlormequat is also used in other crops such as sunflowers, rapeseed, and soybeans. Fungi grown on cereal straw as a substrate may contain chlormequat when used in grains[3]. Roasting coffee or grain can result in small amounts of mepiquat.
Legal regulation
In the EU, the use of chlormequat in grains is generally permitted. The EU regulates the maximum residue levels for chlormequat and mepiquat in accordance with the Maximum Residue Level Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005.
Maximum residue levels for chlormequat are as follows: Oats 15 mg/kg, rye 8 mg/kg, rapeseed and wheat 7 mg/kg, cultivated mushrooms 0.9 mg/kg, pears 0.07 mg/kg, apples and peppers 0.01 mg/kg. As per EU Organic Regulation 2018/848, the use of these active ingredients is prohibited in organic farming.
We offer laboratory analysis to support you
The Eurofins laboratories for food and feed analysis in Germany provide quick and reliable detection of chlormequat and mepiquat in plant-based foods through individual or multi-methods, as well as in conjunction with pesticide screenings. We provide matrix-dependent limits of quantification ranging from 0.002 mg/kg to 0.01 mg/kg to support you.
If you have any questions regarding the analysis of chlormequat and mepiquat, please feel free to contact your personal account manager or our expert, Johannes Jaschik.
References
[1] Temkin AM, Evans S, Spyropoulos DD, Naidenko OV. A pilot study of chlormequat in food and urine from adults in the United States from 2017 to 2023. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2024 Feb 15. doi: 10.1038/s41370-024-00643-4. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38355783.
[2] EFSA Scientific Report (2008) 179, 1-77 Conclusion on the peer review of chlormequat.
[3] EFSA; Anastassiadou et al. (2020). Reasoned Opinion on the modification of the existing maximum residue levels for chlormequat in barley and animal commodities. EFSA Journal 2020;18(1):5982, 39 pp. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.5982
