Addressing Nickel MRL in the European Union

On 2 September SAPPA had the opportunity to engage with members from the Unit for Food Contaminants of the European Union. SAPPA was represented by Cobus van Rensburg, Hardus du Toit and Kobus Hartman. Kobus Hartman was co-opted to assist the pecan industry on this matter as he has many years of experience working within the food safety environment.

Prior to this meeting SAPPA supplied the EU with our research to date into the occurrence of nickel in pecan kernel. Through our research we see elevated nickel levels in the pecan kernel in both samples where the trees received some nickel sprays and in samples where no nickel was applied by the producer. Following robust discussions between the parties present we achieved the following outcomes:

• SAPPA will collect and supply additional nickel occurrence data from across South African production regions to the EU unit for Food Contaminants.
• The EU unit for Food Contaminants committed to start the process of re-evaluation of the current allowable limit of 3.5ppm (parts per million)

This re-evaluation process takes 7 to 12 months as all EU member states have to be engaged in the process.

Furthermore, SAPPA will continue our research efforts to support decision making based on facts and occurrence data. Very little is known about the nickel level within pecan kernel and what effects these levels.  We aim to address some data gaps already identified by looking into the following:

• Literature review on Nickel and its role in pecan production. This study should be completed by end of September 2025 and will be made available as soon as possible.
• The timing of nickel foliar applications and the impact it has on the nickel levels in the kernel.
• The relationship between soil, leaf and nut nickel levels.
• What drives elevated nickel levels where no nickel products have been applied.

We recommend that growers exercise caution with nickel applications, using it only when absolutely necessary. Our industry’s access to global markets is a top priority and we remain committed to protecting our growers’ interests while ensuring we meet international food safety standards.