Residues Assessments for Triazole Derivative Metabolites

Triazole derivative metabolites (TDMs, also referred to as triazole derived metabolites) are common metabolites of the triazole pesticide active substances and may be found as residues in food and feed. The TDMs formed are: 1,2,4-triazole (1,2,4-T), triazole alanine (TA), triazole acetic acid (TAA) and triazole lactic acid (TLA).

The agreed toxicological endpoints and residue definitions will apply to all applications where a residues and dietary exposure assessment is required from 1st July 2020.

Within each application the TDMs that may arise in food and feed from the specific triazole and its proposed good agricultural practice (GAP) must be considered. Residue levels of the TDMs in primary crops, processed commodities, rotational crops and in food of animal origin should be addressed, and an appropriate dietary risk assessment presented.

List of triazole pesticides

  • Bromuconazole
  • Cyproconazole
  • Difenoconazole
  • Epoxiconazole
  • Metconazole
  • Paclobutrazol
  • Penconazole
  • Prothioconazole
  • Tebuconazole
  • Tetraconazole
  • Triticonazole

The above list focuses on triazole pesticides approved in UK PPP and may not be exhaustive. The list does not include triazole pesticides for which a non-approval decision has been delivered or no application for renewal has been received.

Agreed endpoints for the triazole derivative metabolites

Toxicological reference values

Metabolite Toxicological reference value
ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake)

(mg/kg bw per day)
ARfD (Acute Reference Dose)

(mg/kg bw)
1,2,4-triazole (1,2,4-T) 0.023 0.1
Triazole alanine (TA) 0.3 0.3
Triazole acetic acid (TAA) 1.0 1.0
Triazole lactic acid (TLA) 0.3 0.3

Residue definitions

For both plant commodities (primary, rotational crops and processed commodities) and animal commodities
Residue definition for enforcement Triazole parent compound only.
Residue definition for risk assessment
  1. Triazole parent compound and any other relevant metabolite exclusively linked to the parent compound;
  2. TA and TLA, since these compounds share the same toxicity;
  3. TAA;
  4. 1,2,4-T.

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Updated 2021-08-23->->->->->