Fungicide Safety Review Remains Incomplete for EFSA
The assessment of a new fungicide for common crops like lettuce and tomatoes is delayed due to missing regulatory information.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Organic Food
The European Food Safety Authority has completed its peer review of the fungicide Trichoderma atroviride strain T11. The review identified missing data and unresolved issues, delaying conclusions on its potential use for crops like strawberries, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Why it matters
This review process is critical for ensuring that agricultural substances used on produce are safe for consumers and the environment. Because key regulatory information remains missing, the safety profile of this fungicide cannot yet be finalized for use.
The European Food Safety Authority completed a peer review under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012 regarding the fungicide Trichoderma atroviride strain T11. Several assessment issues remain unresolved due to missing regulatory information.
The players
European Food Safety Authority
An agency of the European Union that provides independent scientific advice and communication on risks associated with the food chain.
The details
The European Food Safety Authority evaluated the substance as a potential fungicide intended for field and greenhouse application on strawberries, lettuce, and tomatoes. This peer review, which follows initial risk assessments performed by Sweden and Italy, serves to verify if the substance meets safety standards before it can be authorized for use in the food supply. The current findings indicate that necessary data was insufficient to reach a final determination.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: The peer review conclusions were formally reported.
Health Landscape
The evaluation of Trichoderma atroviride strain T11 fits into the broader regulatory framework governed by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012. This system ensures that all new fungicides are rigorously screened for safety before reaching international markets.
This development indicates that the substance is not currently authorized for commercial use on crops like strawberries and lettuce. Consumers should continue to follow standard practices of washing fresh produce to reduce exposure to any chemical residues.
The takeaway
Regulatory bodies must address missing data before a new fungicide is deemed safe for agricultural use. When choosing produce, consumers can check labels for organic certifications which verify that specific, approved methods were used during the growing process.
Further reading
Learn more about the standards for food safety and cultivation in our Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Foodmate.
