Chlorpropham (CIPC) has long been a staple sprout suppressant in the potato storage industry. But following its withdrawal from approved use in the UK and the EU, the sector has been navigating a complex regulatory landscape. To manage residues in stores with a history of CIPC use, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) introduced a temporary Maximum Residue Level (tMRL). Maintaining this standard is critical to ensuring that residual traces in stored potatoes do not exceed safety limits, especially for crops destined for fresh markets.
In 2024, the CIPC Residues Monitoring Group (CRMG) received 102 data submissions from 2023/24 harvest stores previously treated with CIPC. These voluntary submissions allowed HSE to assess whether the tMRL remains relevant and safe. The findings were sobering: 25% of tested storage units would have exceeded the legal Limit of Detection (LoD) had the tMRL not been in place. This reveals just how essential the tMRL is for compliance—and for the stability of the UK potato market.
With a new round of data due for submission by summer 2025, CRMG is calling on growers, store operators, and packers to supply at least one multi-residue test result from each store previously treated with CIPC. These samples should come from potatoes stored for at least two months during the 2024/25 season.
What’s at stake? Without continued data support, the tMRL could be revoked. That would place producers at risk of failing food safety inspections and potentially losing market access. Regulatory decisions now hinge on transparent, science-based evidence supplied by the industry itself.
How Growers Can Help:
- Who: Anyone operating potato stores that have historically used CIPC.
- What: Submit at least one multi-residue lab test that includes chlorpropham.
- When: From the current 2024/25 season, with crops stored for at least two months.
- How: Download the data proforma from the CRMG website and send it, along with your lab report, to Adrian Cunnington (Independent Chair of CRMG) at adrian@potatostorageinsight.com.
- Privacy: All data is anonymised before submission to HSE.
CRMG aims to collect 125 samples to meet the current data call. Even if you submitted last year, you are strongly encouraged to send in results again this season. Your data helps safeguard the entire industry’s ability to store and market potatoes under safe and scientifically supported guidelines.
The integrity of the UK’s post-harvest potato supply chain depends on proactive industry collaboration. With the tMRL hanging in the balance, every lab test counts. Submitting your data not only supports science-based policy—it protects your business and the future of potato storage in the UK.
