Codex Alimentarius: 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene (1,4-DMN) is Safe to Use on Potatoes
1,4-dimethylnaphthalene (1,4-DMN) is safe to use on potatoes, according to Codex Alimentarius. In stored potatoes, 1,4-DMN, a naturally occurring bio-control agent, promotes field-fresh quality, inhibits spouting, and improves dormancy.
“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,” according to a 1,4GROUP release.
During their annual meeting in Geneve on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) established the Codex Maximum Residue Level (CXL) for 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene at 15 mg/kg.
“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’ 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,” the 1,4GROUP experts added.
Currently, 1,4-DMN is authorized for use in several jurisdictions, including the US, Canada, and the EU. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) in Canada have both authorized 1,4-DMN through the biopesticide registration procedure and categorized it as a material that does not need a maximum residue level (MRL) to be set.
“We are excited that 1,4-DMN was now finally 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,” Jeanette VonKrosigk, 1,4GROUP’s Global Regulatory Affairs Director, declared.
This newly accepted worldwide food safety standard will boost international trade. In order for 1,4 DMN-treated potatoes and processed goods made from treated potatoes to be fully accepted internationally, obtaining a CXL is thought to be a crucial first step.
