Codex Alimentarius adopts the MRL for 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene potato sprout inhibitor

Great news for potato producers: Codex Alimentarius, the "Food Code" has confirmed the safety of 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene (1,4-DMN) for use on potatoes. 1,4-DMN is a naturally occurring biocontrol agent that enhances dormancy, controls spouting and encourages field-fresh quality in stored potatoes.

The conclusion on safe use followed a thorough review process by experts from the Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) of FAO and WHO which then was successively confirmed by the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR) earlier in 2024. The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has adopted the Codex Maximum Residue Level (CXL) for 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene of 15 mg/kg on Tuesday 26 November 2024 during their annual meeting in Geneve.

1,4-DMN is a true dormancy enhancer rather than a sprout suppressant. It mimics naturally occurring potato hormones, triggering the production of potato tubers’ own dormancy-enhancing enzymes. Sold by DormFresh and 1,4GROUP as 1,4SIGHT® for processing and table potatoes and as 1,4SEED® for seed potatoes, 1,4-DMN is highly effective at managing sprouting and peeping from storage bin close-up right through shipping. 1,4SIGHT® and 1,4SEED® also offer important secondary benefits, including decreased moisture loss (shrink) and less bruising.

1,4-DMN is currently approved for application in various regions, including the European Union, Canada, and the United States. Both the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) in Canada and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States have approved 1,4-DMN under the bio-pesticide registration process and classify 1,4-DMN as a substance that does not require the setting of a maximum residue level (MRL).

Jeanette VonKrosigk, 1,4GROUP’s Global Regulatory Affairs Director:

"We are excited that 1,4-DMN now finally was assigned a Codex MRL. Many companies will breathe easier knowing that it now will be much simpler to ship potatoes treated with 1,4-DMN to foreign destinations."

This newly adopted global food safety standard will foster international trade. Obtaining a CXL is considered as a critical step towards full international acceptance of 1,4DMN-treated potatoes and processed products made from treated potatoes.