Submit CIPC Residue Data to Safeguard UK Potato Storage

The Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD) has set a temporary Maximum Residue Level (tMRL) for chlorpropham (CIPC) at 0.35 mg/kg, effective from April 10th, 2024.

This threshold will be reviewed annually, and its continuation hinges on the industry’s ability to provide evidence supporting its necessity.

Why This Matters

CIPC has been a key agent in sprout suppression for decades. However, the residues it leaves behind are now threatening the UK’s potato storage capacity. If evidence is not provided to justify a tMRL above the detection limit (0.01 ppm), stores with historical CIPC use may become unusable, with far-reaching consequences for growers, packers, and the entire supply chain.

Recent data highlights the stakes: without the current tMRL, 22.5% of storage facilities would have exceeded the detection threshold. These facilities would have been deemed unsuitable for use had the limit been set at the detection level. It’s critical to ensure the flow of data to maintain this crucial threshold.

How You Can Help

Most growers already possess the necessary residue data, often gathered through:

Customer testing of potato samples
Red Tractor certification sampling

This is where the CIPC Residue Monitoring Group (CRMG) plays a vital role, coordinating the anonymised submission of data to the CRD on behalf of the entire industry.

Submitting Your Data: A Simple Process

Email your residue data to Adrian Cunnington at adrian@potatostorageinsight.com

Adrian will anonymise the data before submitting it to the CRD.

That’s all it takes.

What’s Needed for 2025

For the 2025 CRD submission, the CRMG requires at least 125 new samples. If you’re storing potatoes that were previously treated with CIPC for two months or more this season, please provide at least one of your regular multi-residue test results.

A simple data form is available for download here: [Download the Sample Proforma]. Just complete the form and attach a copy of your lab result—it couldn’t be easier, and your contribution is essential.