FAO food safety and trade experts will present a recent study on the harmonization of national pesticide Maximum Residues Limits (MRLs) with Codex pesticide MRLs, by taking a close look at rice. The study, Understanding international harmonization of pesticide maximum residue limits with Codex standards: A case study on rice, explores the level of harmonization in main rice producing and trading countries and possible effects on trade, and it also investigates the reasons behind differing levels of harmonization.

The broad objective of the study is to offer insights for decision-makers involved in setting of standards and design of food policy at national and international level on the significance of harmonization of pesticide MRLs.